An Update From The American Veterinary Medical Association

Two Management Support Teams (MST) established by the National Disaster Medical System were discontinued Fri., Sept 17, 1999. Dr. Barry Kellogg and Dr. Lorna Lanman, who were each assigned to a team, headed home. Severe flooding continues to plague North Carolina, Virginia, and New Jersey. At this time, however, the animal situation is one of search and rescue. No major veterinary medical issues have arisen.

The Humane Society of the United States, American Humane Association, United Animal Nations-Emergency Animal Rescue Services, and Code-3 are serving in the flooded areas to find animals in need of rescue. These organizations are working in a massive animal recovery effort. The humane organizations communicate multiple times daily with the AVMA’s assistant director of emergency preparedness and response to maintain a coordinated animal-relief effort.

The Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams continue to stand by in case the local veterinary communities become overwhelmed by the veterinary needs of animals affected by the flooding. Initial reports state that animals that have survived the flooding are not in need of major veterinary medical care. Most of the animals recovered are in good condition and are receiving veterinary care as needed through local veterinarians.

The situation will continue to be monitored, the local veterinarians and the state emergency managers to be communicated with, and the animals brought to safety