Purpose

The Veterinary Emergency Preparedness (VEPR) manual was created for use in emergency situations faced by veterinary clinics and hospitals in the event of major natural catastrophes.  Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 brought to light the need for a guidance document designed specifically for veterinarians in the occurrence of such disasters.  Many veterinarians in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama were without help of any kind after the major hurricanes, living day-to-day until conditions in the Gulf Coast region stabilized. The current guidance document and website provided pertinent information for pre-hurricane planning, weathering the physical storm, and post-hurricane recovery.  The VEPR document is intended to reduce the damaging effects that hurricanes have on veterinary clinics and hospitals.

Objective

Information concerning animal preparedness and response during hurricane events exists in various places including the internet, handouts, and other manuals.  As the current information was spread over many mediums, it was necessary to synthesize the data into one comprehensive, highly readable, and useful source.  The objective of the VEPR manual is to function as a tool for veterinarians and their staff as they deal with natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, and the many accompanying challenges. 

Researchers and Funding Sources

The VEPR guidance document, the manual and website, was prepared by faculty and research staff of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Louisiana State University with funding provided by the Louisiana State University Board of Regents.  The manual was a cooperative effort between the university and practicing veterinarians, compiling, and synthesizing real-world experiences in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.