For the first time in their 11- year history, four complete Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) have been simultaneously deployed. Staged in neighboring communities since Aug. 30, all four teams have now moved in to Katrina-ravaged areas to provide assistance.


Two teams, VMAT-1 and VMAT-5 of 25 members each, have arrived in Baton Rouge. They will assist the State Veterinarian with agricultural and veterinary facility assessments, ensure that zoo animal and horses are cared for and their needs are being met, as well as assist at animal drop-off locations.


The twenty-five members of VMAT-3 have arrived in Jackson, Miss., while VMAT-2 will likely be staged in Biloxi.


According to Dr. Henry E. Childers, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and an Alabama native, the question as to why veterinarians are first responders in these dire situations is frequently asked

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.