Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team Responds to Historic Flooding
The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has returned to Bryan-College Station after an eight-day mission aiding Texans affected by historic flooding in eastern Texas.
Deployment Details
The VET was deployed to Coldspring, Texas, on May 15 following devastating storms and unprecedented rainfall that led to severe river flooding in the area. Over eight days, the team provided medical care and support for more than 60 dogs and 15 cats, all impacted by the extreme weather conditions.
Services Provided
The VET offered a range of services to the affected animals, including:
Vaccinations
Deworming
Flea and tick treatment
Treatment for skin conditions and other flood-related health issues
Dr. Deb Zoran, VET director, praised the team's efforts, stating, "Their willingness to help people and their animals in a time of tremendous loss and challenging circumstances represents the selfless service we pride ourselves on as Aggies."
Compassionate Care
The VET's mission extended beyond medical support. They focused on making the animals in their care as comfortable as possible by addressing health issues, ensuring their dietary and exercise needs were met, and reducing anxiety through personalized shelter plans.
Educational Impact
Eight fourth-year veterinary students participated in the deployment as part of their clinical rotation in disaster response. Morgan McCord, one of the students, shared her experience, emphasizing the deep bond between pet owners and their animals and the mutual comfort they provide during disasters.
Continued Efforts
Despite the closure of the shelter the VET was supporting, recovery efforts will persist. The initial veterinary care provided by the VET has placed the affected families in a better position moving forward.
Dr. Zoran expressed gratitude for the community leaders and the team's ongoing commitment to disaster response, stating, "We couldn’t do this work without an amazing set of team members, outstanding students, and the support of our generous donors."
The Texas A&M VET's response to the historic flooding in eastern Texas highlights their dedication to serving the community and providing essential care during emergencies. Their work not only supports the animals but also offers relief and hope to their owners during challenging times.
