Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, it is always in the best interest of the horses for both the equine practitioner and the horse owner to be prepared. Foreign animal disease outbreaks or other catastrophic events can adversely affect the health and well-being of horses. The preparation must be as thorough as possible knowing that circumstances will highlight the weaknesses rather than the strengths of those involved.
Current Emergency
To help you prepare for the current emergency occurring in your area, below you will find resources that may assist you for your immediate area or the area where the emergency is or may occur.
HURRICANE IRENE
• AAEP Hurricane Equine Evacuation Info
•AAEP Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Guidelines
Connecticut:
Connecticut Animal Health Office
Connecticut State Animal Response Team (SART)
Connecticut Horse Council
Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association
Connecticut Department of Emergency Management
Delaware:
Delaware Animal Health Office
Delaware Equine Council
Delaware Veterinary Medical Association
Delaware Emergency Management Agency
Florida:
Florida State Animal Health Office
Florida State Animal Response Team (SART)
Florida Horse Council
Sunshine State Horse Council (Equine Emergency Evacuation Information & Relocation Database)
Florida Veterinary Medical Association
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Georgia:
Georgia State Animal Health Office
Georgia Horse Council
Georgia Veterinary Medical Association
Georgia Emergency Management Agency
Maryland:
Maryland Animal Health Office
Maryland State Animal Response Team (SART)
Maryland Horse Council
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Massachusetts:
Massachusetts State Animal Health Office
State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART)
Massachusetts Horseman’s Council
Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
New Jersey:
New Jersey State Animal Health Office
New Jersey State Animal Response Team (SART)
New Jersey Action Disaster Guidelines for Horses & Livestock
New Jersey Horse Council
New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
New York:
New York State Animal Health Office
Empire State Animal Response Team (SART)
Aware Prepare
New York State Horse Council
New York State Veterinary Medical Society
New York Emergency Management Office
North Carolina:
North Carolina Equine Disaster Response Alliance
North Carolina State Animal Health Office
North Carolina State Animal Response Team (SART)
North Carolina Horse Council
North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association
North Carolina Emergency Management
Rhode Island:
Rhode Island State Animal Health Office
Rhode Island Disaster Animal Response Team
Rhode Island Horseman’s Association
Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
South Carolina:
South Carolina Horse Disaster Plan
Clemson University Cooperative Extension (Hurricane Preparedness Info)
South Carolina State Animal Health Office
South Carolina Equine Emergency Evacuation Routes
South Carolina Horseman’s Council
South Carolina Veterinary Medical Association
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
Virginia:
Virginia State Animal Response Team (SART)
Virginia State Animal Health Office
Virginia Horse Council
Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Resources for Equine Practitioners
In today's world, the equine practitioner must prepare him or herself, family, the practice, and the clients for what to do  in a disaster situation. The equine practitioner is uniquely qualified to understand and treat the injuries and stresses of horses in a disaster as well as understand the logistical factors associated with a rapid or planned evacuation of horses. Once the catastrophe strikes, the veterinarian will be seen as an important professional resource.
Important steps to consider in establishing a disaster and emergency response plan include:
• Educating clients
• Establishing a local response system
• Transportation issues
•Interaction with local and state government officials, including state veterinary organizations
• Preparing for actual hands-on emergency rescue situations
Additional links for equine practitioners:
National Resources
FEMA (Large Animal Preparedness)
FEMA
National Weather Service (National Hurricane Service)
U.S. and Canadian Animal Health Offices (State/Provincial Veterinary Offices)
Ready America
AVMA (Disaster Preparedness Info for Veterinarians)
United States Animal Health Association
USDA/APHIS Veterinary Services:
USDA Emergency Management Response System
National Center for Animal Health Emergency Management
National Animal Health Surveillance System
Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Center (Biodefense Reference Library)
National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps
Bioterrorism:
Veterinary Response to Terror Alerts
Biosecurity Information Resources
Resources for Horse Owners
Preparation is a key part of making sure your horses are safe and taken care of in a crisis situation. One must  understand who the other resources are and what their plan is in order for a coordinated response to result. The AAEP has collected the following helpful links to make sure you, the horse owner, have vital information available to you before a disaster strikes.
National Resources
FEMA (Large Animal Preparedness)
FEMA
National Weather Service (National Hurricane Service)
U.S. and Canadian Animal Health Offices (State/Provincial Veterinary Offices)
Ready America
Disaster Planning:
Emergency Planning Workbook
Disaster Action Guidelines for Horse Owners
Emergency Preparedness: Important Tips for Horse Owners (AAEP)
Disaster Planning for Horse Farms (AAEP)
Guidelines to Follow During Equine Emergencies (AAEP)
|
First Laminitis Research Project study attempts
to identify ris... 
Eight outstanding equine veterinary students selected for schola... 
The American Association of Equine Practitioners applauds New Je... 
The 57th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine... 
New president inducted during the 57th Convention in San Antonio... 
The American Association of Equine Practitioners welcomed Margo...