Four VMAT teams reach Mississippi, Louisiana devastation

WASHINGTON - 9/09/05 - Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) have arrived at the New Orleans airport, Louisiana State University (LSU) and two undisclosed sites near Biloxi, Miss.

Early reports are hazy because the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which deploys VMATs, has ordered team members not to talk to the press. Still, news filters in that roughly 240 veterinarians and technicians have descended on the Gulf Coast region to stage emergency facilities for animals in need.

The four VMAT teams mark the largest simultaneous deployment of veterinary relief in U.S. history. 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.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 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. LSU reports hundreds of animal evacuees are being housed in a veterinary school coliseum.

"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, FEMA has deployed VMATs to natural and manmade disasters since 1994. 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.