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Veterinary Emergency Team Forms in Texas

The team—made up of 13 Texas A&M faculty, resident veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary students who have completed a disaster medicine elective — is deployable under the state animal response plan in a disaster situation where there is need for additional veterinary assessment, triage and care.

“As the lead agency responsible for dealing with animals affected by disasters, the Texas Animal Health Commission has done an outstanding job of developing one of the premiere animal issues in disasters plans in the country,” said Wesley Bissett, DVM, Ph.D., Texas A&M’s lead faculty member in the effort. “TAHC personnel have brought together an impressive array of governmental and non-governmental agencies all focused on preserving the health and welfare of animals. In addition, the TAHC has provided us the opportunity to increase our efforts in teaching emergency response in the veterinary medical curriculum. Ultimately, this will lead to increased numbers of veterinarians committed to and trained in emergency response. The end result will be strengthening the foundation of local governmental emergency response efforts.”

The team is fully self-sufficient with their own lodging, food, generators and supplies for responders. Equipment includes two large climate-controlled tents, one multi-purpose trailer and one clinic trailer with limited surgical capability. The team also has obtained trucks to haul trailers and equipment, as well as an ambulatory medicine truck.

Although the team is still finalizing the acquisition of necessary supplies, it is fully operational and mission-ready just in time for the 2010 hurricane season, the TAHC reported. <HOME>

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Veterinary Emergency Team Forms in Texas

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Health care is especially needed after weather disasters and localized severe weather events, and at evacuation sites. Regional non-profit rescue organizations may be able to support activities of VET, if needed. Good work, VET. Bill Dakin Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Inc. - Promotional Team Australian Shepherd Club of America, Health & Genetics Committee, Chair Bill, Fairview, TX Posted: 6/23/2010 8:27:03 AM