As Hurricane Irene moves toward the Atlantic Coast, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) alerts horse owners and veterinary professionals to take precautionary steps for equine safety this season.

Equine practitioners and horse owners in areas impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters are encouraged to visit the AAEP website to access disaster preparedness resources specific to their state. Disaster preparedness resources specific to states in the path of Hurricane Irene are currently highlighted on the website. In addition, horse owners will find the AAEP’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Guidelines, evacuation instructions and information to create a disaster plan for equine facilities.

As community authorities for equine health care, equine practitioners are uniquely qualified to lead equine relief efforts during a natural disaster. The AAEP website provides information to help practitioners organize community relief efforts and inform clients about disaster preparedness. Practitioners will find links about practicing disaster scenarios, working with governmental agencies, transporting horses across state lines and reporting diseases.

"The AAEP reminds equine practitioners and horse owners that preemptive action is the most important step in protecting the safety of horses against natural disasters," said William Moyer, DVM, AAEP president. "Equine practitioners can serve as leaders in their communities to educate the horse-owning public about the importance of disaster planning