Four VMAT teams race to disaster sites

WASHINGTON - 9/02/05 - Four Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) are moving into the Gulf Coast region, marking the largest simultaneous deployment of such relief in history.

Staged in outlining communities since Tuesday, the groups, at presstime, headed into the heart of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), two teams are assisting the Louisiana State Veterinarian's office with agricultural and veterinary facility assessments, care for zoo animals and horses and offering aid at animal drop-off sites.

Two more VMAT teams likely are heading into Biloxi, Miss. In addition to caring for mass casualties and survivors among animal populations, team members address health concerns associated with diseases from contaminated water, food safety, wild animal bites and rabies.

"Veterinarians play a critical role in preserving public health, which will be an overriding concern in the aftermath of this disaster," AVMA President Dr. Henry Childers says in a prepared statement.

Since 1994, VMAT teams have been deployed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to natural and manmade disasters. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), a philanthropic arm of AVMA, helps fund VMAT efforts. Individuals wishing to support VMAT teams in their disaster relief efforts can make online donations on the non-profit's Web site, www.avmf.org or send contributions to the foundation at 1931 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173. See DVM Newsmagazine's October issue for comprehensive covering on the storm's aftermath.