Abstract

Emergency management is a process that seeks to prepare communities and facilities to be less vulnerable and better able to respond to emergencies and disasters. When such incidents occur in facilities that manage wildlife, the veterinarian will have a key role to play. Due to the unique challenges the exotic animal industry faces during emergencies, it is imperative that veterinarians have knowledge and expertise in the 5 pillars of emergency management. Drs. Vodicka and Nadler will share their collective experiences with the audience, which align with the 5 pillars of emergency management:

• Prevention - actions taken to stop an incident from occurring.
• Mitigation - activities that reduce the impact of the incident on the facility, animals, and staff.
• Preparedness - plans or preparations made ahead of an incident identifying what should be done should an incident occur and providing necessary information.
• Response - actions that should occur immediately after an incident to protect life, prevent the situation from becoming worse, and protect animals and the environment.
• Recovery - actions taken to return to normal, become safer, or determine a new normal after a disaster.

This session will highlight veterinarian’s roles in each of the 5 pillars of emergency management, using lessons learned from previous incidents and providing planning resources tailored for the exotic animal industry.