Online resources help horse owners and veterinarians brace for equine emergencies.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners advises coastal veterinarians and horse owners to review their disaster response protocol during the height of the 2010 hurricane season.

Preparation is the horse owner and veterinarian’s greatest asset during a crisis or emergency. Horse owners have access to educational resources about how to prepare for a disaster at www.aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm. Articles by AAEP-member veterinarians address important considerations during a disaster, including state guidelines for equine evacuation, medical record updates, feed and water supply, emergency rescues and First Aid.

The AAEP also provides support for equine practitioners impacted by natural disasters. Practitioners can join a network of veterinarians who have responded to disasters and find resources to create a practice disaster response plan at www.aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm.

“As we’ve learned from past disasters, preparedness can mean the difference between life and death for humans and horses alike," said James Hamilton, DVM, former chairman of the AAEP Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committee. "Housing for the animals, food and water supplies, and evacuation transportation options are just a few of the key decisions that should be made before an emergency occurs."

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, KY, was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than five million horse owners through its more than 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

ENDS