Veterinary Emergency Team Moves Base of Operations into Bastrop

SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 - *UPDATE* Veterinary Emergency Team Moves Base of Operations into Bastrop

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - While firefighters continue working to increase the control they have over the wildfire burning in Bastrop, the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team will move its base of operations into the Bastrop community. This will make the resources of the team more accessible to the public, as well as to those who are currently operating shelters for animals found in the affected area.

"On Tuesday morning, our plan is to perform a last assessment and examination of the search and rescue dogs for Texas Task Force-1 prior to their departure," said Dr. Wesley Bissett, assistant professor of large animal clinical sciences at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and director of the VET. "Once that is complete, we will begin to move our base of operations closer into the community so that we can assist with the veterinary medical care for animals that have been housed in the emergency shelters there, and ensure the needs of animals are being met as the re-entry process into some of the affected areas begins."

The VET has been deployed in the Bastrop area since the beginning of last week, and anticipates returning to College Station toward the end of this week as the fire is brought under control and local responders and veterinary practitioners are able to meet the needs of the affected animals.

"This has been an incredible exercise in teamwork," said Bissett, "involving multiple agencies and private veterinary practitioners. It has been truly a privilege to work with such professional teams as we responded to animals in need."

« Back to VET