About the AVMA
The American Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association of more than 76,000 member veterinarians. The mission of the AVMA is to advance the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health, biological science, and agriculture.
The Association is the recognized national voice for veterinarians in presenting their views to government, academia, agriculture, pet owners, and other concerned members of the public.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Efforts
The American Veterinary Medical Association has a number of educational resources for veterinarians, emergency preparedness officials, and the public regarding emergency preparedness and response. Several brochures are available, including Saving the Whole Family, Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Practices, and the AVMA Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide. In addition, the AVMA's Disaster Preparedness website (http://www.avma.org/disaster) contains a multitude of resources, including training opportunities available within states, state legislative and regulatory resources, and other emergency preparedness resources.
A major initiative pursued by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has been its disaster preparedness and response efforts with the federal government. With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May 1993, veterinary services became incorporated into the Federal Response Plan, now the National Response Framework, for disaster relief as part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). The AVMA's pioneering efforts in developing a world-class veterinary response team program, the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT), resulted in this MOU between the AVMA and the U.S. Public Health Service. The agreement yielded 14 years of collaboration between the federal government and the AVMA, during which time the AVMA VMAT provided on-the-ground veterinary response during times of national emergencies. As our world has changed since 1993, and federal laws have changed to address new national security challenges, so has the AVMA's part in federal emergency response. The AVMA is proud to have developed the model of what is now the NDMS National Veterinary Response Teams (NVRT). The AVMA looks forward to continued collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services NDMS in its new capacities in emergency preparedness and response.
The AVMA also collaborates with other federal agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture. The completion, in August 1994, of a Memorandum of Understanding between the AVMA and the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) made it possible for the VMAT to assist the USDA in the control, treatment, and eradication of animal disease outbreaks. Such a response would occur under the direction of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The MOU, originally signed in 1994, continues between the AVMA and the USDA.In addition, on January 26, 1998, the AVMA and American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) signed a statement of understanding (SOU) with The American National Red Cross (ARC). In the SOU, the American Red Cross recognizes the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation as the only national organizations representing the entire profession of licensed veterinarians solely responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, health and well-being of all animals, including and during periods designated as disaster relief. During disasters, Red Cross volunteers refer all animal medical questions and needs to veterinarians affiliated with the national, state, county, or local veterinary medical associations.
Current VMAT Status
The specific roles of the federal government and the AVMA as participants in the public-private Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) partnership have evolved over time in response to several changes in federal laws.
What began as a privatized effort of the AVMA to assist with the care of animals, animal related issues and public health during a disaster, has become a federal program named the National Veterinary Response Teams (NVRT). The AVMA is proud to have "birthed" such a needed program.
Currently, the AVMA is examining new ways in which it might assist states in the provision of care for animals and public health during emergencies. Several possible models for VMAT programs are under consideration. The AVMA looks forward to good communication with stakeholders in this endeavor.
American Veterinary Medical Foundation
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation's generous grants and scholarships promote emergency preparedness and response and disaster relief to veterinarians in a major way. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation's generous financial support was also paramount in providing the VMAT with training and response capacities needed for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for animals affected by disasters. In the last decade, AVMF has awarded grants totaling over $7 million in support of AVMF’s mission. The ultimate goal of the AVMF is to help as many states as possible be prepared for disasters affecting animals. Your support of the AVMF will enable the Foundation to achieve this goal. Founded in 1963, contributions made to the AVMF are tax deductible. To contribute to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, please contact:
AVMF
1931 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
847/925-8070, ext. 600
www.avmf.org
Conclusions
The AVMA has made significant progress on several fronts to mitigate the effects of future disasters, but substantial work remains. It is imperative that state and local organizations prepare an effective disaster response plan. Coordination of efforts is the key. The plan of each small group must fit into the plan of each larger group. For example, the plan formed by humane organizations must integrate with that formed by veterinarians and all must coordinate with local fire and police units, as well as with other emergency responders. The AVMA is working to make such coordination a reality at the national level. Through continued collaboration and coordinated efforts from the local level all the way to the national level, together we will be prepared to serve the needs of our nation and our nation's animals.
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