The response to the California wildfires has extended to the evacuation of people's pets and horses much more than in previous disasters—and veterinarians have been on hand to assist.

Not all animals escaped the flames, though, and animals that survived may require medical attention. Valerie Fenstermaker, executive director of the California VMA, said some veterinarians also may find that they lost their clinics or homes.

"We don't really know the impact, the fallout, of whether we've lost practices, whether our members have lost homes, the animals that have perished, or the actual injuries to animals," Fenstermaker said. "We haven't really had time to assess any of that. Our immediate concern is taking care of the animals that are displaced."

The CVMA operates the Veterinary Disaster Response Coordinator program in cooperation with the state. Each county has a veterinary coordinator and team. Fenstermaker said some teams are working around the clock.

The CVMA also e-mailed members in Southern California to ask for assistance. Many veterinarians are housing horses or pets for evacuees. Veterinary technicians and other staff are offering their services. The veterinary industry has been delivering supplies to the San Diego area.

Fenstermaker said the response has gone more smoothly than in past disasters, such as the 2003 wildfires in the same area. People have been able to take their pets with them to many evacuation centers, including Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. The Red Cross also is allowing pets at its shelters.

The region is home to a large number of horses, so some facilities are housing hundreds of horses. In a few cases, people evacuated horses to one location and then needed to relocate again because of the fires. The CVMA and other organizations are trying to meet the demand for hay.

Fenstermaker said she knows veterinarians have had to evacuate, but she didn't have any details. Several veterinarians have told her the region will experience a huge loss of wildlife.

The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services is the county's lead agency for evacuating animals. Lieutenant Daniel DeSousa said his department is working with the San Diego Humane Society and other groups—including the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, South East Area Animal Control Agency, and Humane Society of the United States.

The animal evacuees include dogs, cats, horses, llamas, ducks, geese, goats, pigs, and even camels. Lieutenant DeSousa said some people with horses were staying in parking lots. Many of the evacuation centers are outdoors.

"It's really hot and smoky here," Lt. DeSousa said. "We're doing the best we can. "Are we going to lose animals in this? Yes, we are. But this was apocalyptic. There's no way anyone could have been prepared for something this huge."

The Department of Animal Services also has been working with Dr. Terry Paik, veterinary coordinator for San Diego County. Veterinarians are monitoring the health of animals at evacuation centers. As workers and volunteers begin to go behind fire lines, Lt. DeSousa said, they may find animals that require veterinary medical attention. In one case, firefighters let loose a horse, but the horse would not leave and suffered burns.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has taken steps to assist owners of livestock. The department is helping transport milk from dairies in the fire areas to processing facilities. Officials also are determining whether local poultry farms and other agricultural operations need assistance in providing protection, feed, water, and other support for animals.

"Our highest priority is protecting human life," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said. "With that said, we must also do whatever we can to save and protect our livestock and (other) animals that are affected by this emergency."

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation is offering support to veterinarians in Southern California through individual reimbursement and relief awards. The AVMF created the grant program after Hurricane Katrina to ensure veterinary care to the animal victims of disasters. More details about the program are available at www.avmf.org.

Veterinarians who suffer losses because of the wildfires or who incur costs by offering medical services to animal victims can apply for up to $2,000 by contacting Monique Buonincontro, AVMF grants coordinator, at (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6691, or at mbuonincontro@avma.org. The funds can cover medical expenses, equipment, modest boarding, some travel, loss of property, and other expenses.

The AVMA also advises veterinary professionals who need help or who want to offer help to contact the California VMA at (800) 655-2862. The CVMA Web site is at www.cvma.net.

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