VMD 511: Animal Welfare, Ethics and Jurisprudence (2+0)

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR LIVESTOCK OWNERS

During a disaster, the behavior and activities of livestock can change dramatically. Advice on disaster planning and precautions is available from several sources, your local emergency management office, animal control center and area veterinarians.

• EVACUATE LIVESTOCK WHENEVER POSSIBLE. Arrangements for evacuation, including routes and host sites, should be made in advance. Alternate routes should be mapped out in case the planned route is inaccessible. Evacuation sites should have or be able to readily obtain food, water, veterinary care, handling equipment and facilities.
• Trucks, trailers, and other vehicles suitable for transporting livestock (appropriate to the type of animal) should be available, along with experienced handlers and drivers to transport them. Whenever possible, the animals should be accustomed to these vehicles in advance so they're less frightened and easier to move.
• If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to move large animals to available shelter or turn them outside. This decision should be determined based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the shelter (structure). All animals should have some form of identification that will help facilitate their return.
• Your disaster plan should include a list of emergency phone numbers for local agencies that can assist you if disaster strikes - - including your veterinarian, state veterinarian, local animal shelter, animal care and control, county extension service, local agricultural schools and the American Red Cross. These numbers should be kept with your disaster kit in a secure, but easily accessible place.