Texas Equine Veterinary Association

www.texasequineva.com • Page 21 "As a member of our TAMU VET response team, I originally deployed to meet the team down in Fort Bend County. ey had already been on- site closer to the original hurricane strike zone for about seven days. A small team had deployed prior to land fall. Aer joining the team at the fairgrounds, we readied to relocate the next morning up to Chambers County, additionally setting up small teams in Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties." "We coordinated with both TX Task Force 1 and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). We were set up to care for evacuated small and large animals who were displaced prior to the flooding, during the flooding, and those animals that were stranded and unable to get to higher ground. Additionally, VET members helped coordinate care in the shelters. As areas were cleared by TAHC, we were moved around to be stationed close to the search areas." "I am a native of Brazoria County and my hometown was severely affected by the flooding. Many friends and family members have suffered terrible losses. e scenes from the devastation are heartbreaking," shares Easterwood. With advanced planning based on weather updates, some horses were able to evacuate. If animals in flooded areas couldn't get to clinics they were managed at home. Some owners were able to pick up supplies; veterinary- client communication was key. Practitioners did an excellent job of 24/7 management with, at times, limited provisions. All agree that the success of this relief effort has certainly been enhanced by the availability of social media and cell phones. Equine veterinarians in flooding regions recap that emergencies due to the hurricane conditions oen involve trauma: lacerations, puncture wounds, eye problems, plus injury from fallen trees. Moisture predisposes limb dermatitis, foot abscesses, and laminitis. Dermatophilosis and dermatophytes are common aer excessive rainfall, while respiratory problems can include recurrence of obstructive airway disease and pneumonia. Hurricane Harvey's stress and weather conditions created a perfect storm for anhidrosis flare-ups. Future anticipated health concerns for horses include pythiosis, tetanus, and vector borne diseases, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Encephalitis. Dr. Dennis Jenkins had ample opportunity to study standing and running water with River Harvey running through his house and water coming within a centimeter of his Santa Fe, Texas, clinic (a major TEVA donation recipient facility). His perspective on the woes of Hurricane Harvey versus 2008 Hurricane Ike relate to Ike's unrelenting severe winds. Unlike Ike, Jenkins and his technician were able to keep up with the injuries and more intensive medical cases during Harvey. TEVA member Dr. Sam Williams of Victoria, Texas, acknowledges some storm problems seemed unrelenting but things could have been worse for his clinic and clients. Most animals in his area weathered well. Trauma and insects were the biggest health issues. Mosquitoes were so thick in pastures that exhausted animals became fatigued from continually running; exhausted livestock then laid down becoming engulfed by mosquitoes. Some cattle died from anemia. Autopsied yearlings revealed asphyxiation from clogs of mosquitoes blocking their airways. Contributory to the health afflictions, were downed trees and power poles preventing ranchers from getting to livestock. If economically feasible, pastures or concentrated smaller groups of cattle were aerial sprayed for mosquitoes. Many national and statewide horse and livestock organizations contributed to this relief effort; TEVA can be considered an elite member within those groups—e "poster boy" when it comes to bringing relief to Texas's horses and equine community. ey partnered with MWI Veterinary Supply to open an account through which veterinarians could submit orders to restock their trucks or clinics with supplies used on hurricane victims. "TEVA has been an amazing example for what can be done to step up and make a difference. We have supported livestock owners, veterinarians, and livestock in a big way. We have established partnerships with national organizations that needed a local "boots on the ground" source for information and aid distribution. ose efforts have been noticed and appreciated." Record rain like never before created a challenge of this magnitude in Texas. Natural devastating disasters can oen take the form of "out of sight, out of mind" once tragedies seemingly stabilize. Whether acting as a "ground zero", or arranging the logistical relief effort, TEVA has and will continue helping their veterinary and equine communities recuperate and revitalize. Donors have entrusted TEVA with their monetary contributions; an extremely important act of trust. Every dollar spent is spent with the intention to help.

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