The American Association of Equine Practitioners advises coastal veterinarians and horse owners to review their disaster response protocol during the height of hurricane season.
Preparation is the horse owner and veterinarian’s greatest asset during a crisis or emergency. Horse owners have access to educational resources about how to prepare for a disaster at www.aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm. Articles by AAEP-member veterinarians address important considerations during a disaster, including state guidelines for equine evacuation, medical record updates, feed and water supply, emergency rescues, and first aid.
The AAEP also provides support for equine practitioners impacted by natural disasters. Practitioners can join a network of veterinarians who have responded to disasters and find resources to create a practice disaster response plan at www.aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm.
“As we’ve learned from past disasters, preparedness can mean the difference between life and death for humans and horses alike,” said James Hamilton, DVM, former chairman of the AAEP Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committee. “Housing for the animals, food and water supplies, and evacuation transportation options are just a few of the key decisions that should be made before an emergency occurs.”
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 more than 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.
Click here for more on emergency preparedness.
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
Great article- we all need to be more prepared for emergencies.
This is good to be reminded of.
Sounds great.
Yeah, people need to be more aware. I know a barn around that had a barn fire. It was terrible!
The crisp New England autumn air was filled with excitement as Equine Affaire returned to…
Things have gone quiet now in Toronto at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds on the…
There’s only one place in North America where you can experience top international horse show…
It's often what you can’t see that leads to trouble, and that’s definitely the case…
It's often what you can’t see that leads to trouble, and that’s definitely the case with white line disease. Understanding…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful little village that is home…
During the height of the pandemic and racial tension around the U.S., two boys struggling with ADHD found healing through…
When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability to fill a variety of…
Each year, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms force thousands across the country to evacuate their homes. When preparing for a…