USAHA News
United States Animal Health Association
Contact - Larry Mark - (703) 451-3954 - ldmark@erols.com

For immediate release:



HURRICANE "LESSONS" PRESENTED TO ANIMAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

	HERSHEY, Pa., Nov. 7, 2005 -- "Lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita" 
was a featured topic at the first meeting of the Committee on Animal Emergency Management 
during the U.S. Animal Health Association (USAHA) annual meeting here this week.

      The new standing committee, a joint venture of USAHA and the American Association 
of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), was formed last May.  It replaces the 
National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS) steering committee.  
      
      A five-member panel described various aspects of the animal emergency response to the 
hurricanes -- what worked well and what didn't; i.e., where gaps in the response were noted.  
Panelists said some of the main problems involved communications, logistics -- getting material 
and equipment to the points were it was needed -- and how volunteers were handled.  As a result 
of the presentations, a 10-member subcommittee was formed with a charge to come up with 
recommendations on how these "gaps" could be filled.
      
      The committee also received an update on the National Veterinary Stockpile -- a 
collection of vaccines, supplies and other equipment that can be used in an animal emergency, 
whether it is a natural disaster such as a tornado or hurricane or an outbreak of a foreign 
animal disease.  This stockpile is part of the Presidential Directive regarding animal emergency 
management under the Department of Homeland Security umbrella.
      
      A special presentation on the economic aspects of emergency response plans was made 
by Dr. Barrett Slenning of North Carolina State University.  He provided an economic 
perspective on the effect of foreign animal diseases or other animal emergencies -- not only to 
the involved livestock owners, but also to other agriculture-related industries.  For instance, 
a stop-movement order for a foreign animal disease outbreak could adversely affect a dairy or 
slaughter plant that was unaffected but was within a quarantine area.
      
      The committee called for a comprehensive study and assessment of disinfectants for animal 
pathogens, noting that there has been little federal testing conducted to confirm label 
efficacy claims.  While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to register 
disinfectants, it is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the animal industry that 
rely upon effective disinfects to help control the spread of domestic and foreign animal diseases.  
The committee called on all appropriate federal agencies to work collaboratively to identify and 
ensure adequate personnel and funding to develop the needed information.
      
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