AAEP, HSUS explore alliance for disasters

LEXINGTON, KY. — The American Association of Equine Practitioners is in preliminary discussions with the Humane Society of the United States to devise a better network of emergency responders for horses caught in harm's way.

"Equine is in no-man's land," says Jim Hamilton, chair of the AAEP Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committee. "There has not been a group that has its mission to address the veterinary medical health needs of equine populations post disaster."

The 10-year veteran of Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams says HSUS is a good partner because its Disaster Services teams are "typically on the ground very early."

Dr. Barry Kellogg, medical director for HSUS Disaster Services and long-time VMAT commander, says HSUS is well-poised to offer its services to a variety of groups and governments.

"As medical director for disaster services, my charge is to go ahead and try to develop a more coordinated veterinary disaster response capability for areas in the time of disaster," Kellogg says. "We can do that as a (non-governmental organization)."

— By David Frabotta, Managing Editor