Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team Deploys To Kerr Country In Response To Central Texas Flooding
Story by Megan Bennett, VMBS Marketing & Communications
As part of their ongoing efforts to keep search and rescue dogs healthy, safe, and mission-ready, the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has deployed to Kerr County in support of Texas A&M Task Forces and other regional partners.
Following the devastating flooding in Central Texas that has now claimed the lives of more than 80 individuals, the team deployed six VET members, along with two Texas A&M AgriLife Disaster Assessment & Recovery agents, on the evening of July 4.
Three additional VET members have now joined the team to provide essential veterinary care for canine search teams. These working dogs play a vital role in searching for the dozens of individuals who are still missing, while also striving to provide answers and closure for their loved ones.
“These elite canine partners are critical to the mission, and our team is committed to helping them stay healthy, safe, and mission-ready,” said Dr. Deb Zoran, director of the VET. “We are honored to do our part in supporting these heroes, and we’re hopeful that the search missions will be able to help grieving families find closure.”
The canine search teams have faced many challenges working along the Guadalupe River basin, including rough terrain; the risk of snake bites and injury from debris; and long days searching over miles of terrain. In addition, the region continues to be under a flash flood risk as storms continue.
“Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities affected by this tragedy,” Zoran said. “This has been a particularly solemn mission; while all loss of life is tremendously sad, the loss of young children hits particularly hard for the entire community and state. We know Aggies everywhere are keeping the folks in this region, and in other flood-ravaged areas of Texas, in their thoughts and prayers.”
Local veterinary partners and community animal groups are handling residential animal care and reunification needs, so the VET is focused solely on caring for working dogs.
“The community and our state partners are very supportive, and our team is staying strong during these challenging days,” Zoran said. “We are so appreciative of the continued support of our teammates and Aggie family back home.”
To learn more about the VET, visit vetmed.tamu.edu/VET, and to support the VET on this deployment, visit tx.ag/SupportTheVET.
###
For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216
You May Also Like
Texas A&M Equine Theriogenology Service Extends A Beloved Donkey’s Legacy
New McAllen Facility Allows VMBS To Better Serve South Texans
VERO Student Pursues Passion For Public Health, Veterinary Medicine
Texas A&M VERO Student Prepares To Serve Panhandle Communities
Texas A&M Veterinarians Help Service Dog Overcome Heartworms
