LSU aids veterinarians, animals displaced by Katrina's wrath

BATON ROUGE, LA. - 9/2/05 - More than 400 animals and a number of veterinarians have sought refuge at Louisiana State University's (LSU) veterinary college campus.

At presstime, students and faculty were caring for pets and wildlife relocated to the university from veterinary clinics in nearby flooded New Orleans and its surrounding areas. The emergency efforts offer some relief in the wake of the nation's largest hurricane disaster on record. LSU campus sustained little damage, but classes have been suspended until Tuesday. In the meantime, the university is coordinating campus relief efforts, veterinary college spokeswoman Ginger Guttner says.

"Everyone is volunteering right now to care for these animals," she says. "Some of our faculty are housing displaced veterinarians."

Financial donations for the animals' care are being accepted through the Dr. Walter J. Ernst, Jr. Veterinary Memorial Foundation at the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. Call (800) 524-2996 for more information.

See DVM Newsmagazine's October issue for comprehensive coverage on the storm's aftermath.