Purpose

The Veterinary Emergency Preparedness (VEPR) manual was created for use in emergency situations that face veterinary clinics and hospitals in the event major natural catastrophes.  Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 brought to light the need for a guidance document designed specifically for veterinarians in the occurrence of such disasters.  Many veterinarians in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama were without help of any kind after the major hurricanes, living day-to-day until conditions in the Gulf Coast region stabilized. The current guidance document provides pertinent information for pre-hurricane planning, weathering the physical storm, and post-hurricane recovery.  The manual is intended to reduce the damaging effects that hurricanes have on veterinary clinics and hospitals.

Objective

Information concerning animal preparedness and  response during hurricane events exists in various places including the Internet, handouts, and other manuals.  As the current information is spread over many mediums, it must be synthesized into one comprehensive, highly readable, and useful source.  The object of the manual is to be a tool for veterinarians as they deal with hurricane season and its many challenges. 

Researchers and Funding Sources

The guidance document was prepared by faculty and research staff of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Louisiana State University with funding provided by the Louisiana State University Board of Regents.  The manual was a cooperative effort between the university and practicing veterinarians, compiling, and synthesizing real-world experiences in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.