Preparing for Disaster: Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team's Response

The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) plays a vital role in responding to disasters that affect animals. Formed in 2009, the team provides triage, stabilization, and shelter support, as well as direct medical care to animals in need.

## Deployment Process

The VET's deployment process begins with an official request from a city, county, state, or official entity. Once the request is approved, the team activates and starts preparing. Their equipment is housed in warehouses outside of the campus, ready to be loaded and deployed within 4 hours. The team's work plan is determined by who they are working for and their job tasking, which can include taking care of resident animals, working canines, or both.

| Deployment Type | Duration | | --- | --- | | Typical Deployment | 3-7 days | | Extended Deployment | 3-4 weeks |

The team's longest deployment was close to 6 weeks. Students with the team typically come for 3-5 days, while staff team members may be there for the duration.

## Challenges and Rewards

Deb Zoran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), professor and director of the VET, notes that the hardest part of being on the team is staying focused on the task and not getting pulled into the emotion of the moment. However, the most rewarding part is being there for people and animals on one of their worst days.

## Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Clinics

Zoran emphasizes the importance of having a plan for the clinic/practice, including evacuation procedures and knowing the local community/county plan. Clinics should also know the emergency manager and the local disaster response team.

## Protecting Records and Medications

Zoran recommends that veterinary clinics have good records of what they have in the practice and have good documentation of this. Records should be backed up, and if the practice is all digital, having more than one backup and storage of that data is also important.

## Understanding the Incident Command System

Zoran stresses the importance of understanding the incident command system (ICS) before a disaster. This system is essential for responding to disasters, and veterinarians should know how it works and where they fit in the system.

## Responding to a Disease Outbreak

Responding to a disease outbreak is different from responding to a storm. The response is "top-down," with the USDA and TAHC responsible for all aspects of the response. In a disaster, the connection is to the local response, working closely with local shelters, vets, and emergency managers to solve the problems created by the disaster.

The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team's response to disasters is a critical component of animal welfare. By understanding the team's deployment process, challenges, and recommendations for veterinary clinics, we can better prepare for disasters and provide support to animals in need.