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Dr. Scott Palmer to Serve as AAEP On Call Veterinarian for Preakness Weekend Telecasts
 Scott Palmer, VMD, will assist NBC Sports with horse health info... More »
AAEP, AVMA Urge Passage of Legislation to End Abusive Soring of Horses
 (Lexington, Ky.) - The American Veterinary Medical Association a... More »
AAEP, American Horse Council Partnering to Develop National Equine Health Plan
 An Open Letter to the Horse Industry: Time to be Proactive on Eq... More »
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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. 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) |
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American Association of Equine Practitioners |
