Role of the veterinary profession in national, state, and local emergencies
The AVMA recommends that emergency management organizations include veterinarians in the planning process and response operations. The health of animals, humans, and the environment are inextricably linked (i.e., One Health); thus, veterinary expertise and input are vital to the success of the overall emergency management process.
The AVMA encourages veterinary professionals in all public, private, and government sectors to communicate and participate with their local, state, and national emergency management organizations to ensure that veterinary medical resources are integrated in emergency management plans. Disaster planning should encompass the "all animals – all hazards" philosophy and include mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.