LESSONS LEARNED FROM BASTROP TO WEST, MOORE, WIMBERLEY, AND BEYOND: THE TEXAS AM VET

摘要

The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (TAMU VET) was formed in response to the increasing frequency of emergencies and disasters, the pressing need for veterinary medical support for search and rescue efforts, and a societal decision that animals were worthy of care and support during disasters. Support of search and rescue efforts by the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences dates back to the late 1990s and precedes actual formation of the team. Faculty from our college performed pre- and post-deployment examinations of canine team members of Texas Task Force One. We did not, however, provide a response capacity prior to formation of TAMU VET in 2009.