Summit attendees deliberate on ways to streamline disaster plans: AVMA moves ahead with disaster coordinator position

摘要

ARLINGTON, VA. — Five major problems hampered rescue efforts following last year's hurricanes, which displaced an estimated 50,000 animals. The analysis comes from more than 100 government, humane and veterinary leaders now aiming to create a national system for dealing with animal disaster victims. In May, the newly created consortium gathered for the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) National Animal Disaster Summit in Arlington, Va. Problems identified include the nation's lack of lead agency on animal disaster relief, broken communications between aid organizations, faulty logistics concerning resource management and a lack of animal evacuation/owner reunification plans.