Veterinarians and Horse Owners Urged to Prepare for Natural Disasters

The American Association of Equine Practitioners implores horse owners and veterinary professionals to review an action plan for equine-related emergencies as Hurricane Isaac moves toward the Gulf Coast.

The AAEP offers disaster preparedness resources for horse owners and veterinarians on its website atwww.aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm. Available resources include links to federal agencies and guidelines to promote safety before, during and after a disaster. The AAEP’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Guidelines can help horse owners develop a custom emergency response plan for their barn or equine facility.

Equine veterinarians are equipped with expertise and resources to act as community leaders during a natural disaster. The AAEP website provides information to help practitioners organize animal rescue efforts and inform clients about disaster preparedness. Veterinarians can access instructions on practicing disaster scenarios, tips for seeking help from relief agencies and guidelines for transporting horses across state lines.

“As Hurricane Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast region, the AAEP encourages veterinarians to walk through their disaster and emergency response protocol,” said John S. Mitchell, DVM, AAEP President. “Preparing for the disaster is half the battle. We can protect horses by informing our clients of measures to prepare their horses and equine facilities for natural disasters.”

The AAEP Foundation accepts donations year-round to assist organizations and individuals that aid the equine community in the case of a natural disaster. Relief organizations and individuals are eligible for funding from the Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund at www.aaep.org/disaster_relieffund.htm. To donate to this fund, visit www.aaepfoundation.org.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.