Veterinary Emergency Team Deploys to Bastrop Wildfires

SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - After an initial assessment yesterday with
Texas Animal Health Commission officials, members of the Veterinary
Emergency Team returned to Texas A&M College of Veterinary
Medicine & Biomedical Sciences to bring in additional personnel
and equipment to respond to the urgent needs of animal injuries in
the wake of the Bastrop wildfire.

"It was busier today," said Dr. Wesley Bissett, professor of
large animal clinical sciences and director of the VET. "We saw a
number of animals, both large and small, and primarily burn
injuries. We've been performing triage on these rescued pets and
livestock with those that needed no further treatment transported
to shelters in the area, while those that needed additional care
were sent to local practitioners in the area."

Currently, there is a 13-member team comprised of faculty,
staff, and students active in the response effort. Working out of
the VET surgical trailer that is also set up for triage and
examinations, the VET continues to see injured animals brought out
of the affected area in addition to continued support of Texas Task
Force-1 by performing end of operations evaluations on their search
and rescue dogs, dealing with any injuries they may have
incurred.

"It is a privilege to work with such a knowledgeable and
dedicated group," said Bissett. "The members of TTF-1 have been
great to work with. In addition, the Bastrop community has done an
amazing job in a tragic situation. This is particularly the case
with the local veterinarians in the area. They have been available
to their communities' animals and have done an incredible job. This
has truly been a great team effort by all who have responded to
meet the needs of not only the people affected by this wildfire,
but also the animals."

Tonight, the VET will work to set up a larger base of operations
for both the members supporting TTF-1 and those that are responding
to injured animals brought in from the affected area. This move
will prepare the team to deal with what is anticipated to be busier
days ahead when more animals are discovered as the fire comes under
control and animal control officials are able to reach other
areas.