100 likes | 199 Views
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) “Because livestock and poultry health matters”. Role of TAHC Why plan for animals Community Planning resources Important Planning Considerations. TAHC- What we do. Lead state agency for: Coordination of any animal issues during disasters
E N D
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) “Because livestock and poultry health matters” • Role of TAHC • Why plan for animals • Community Planning resources • Important Planning Considerations
TAHC-What we do • Lead state agency for: • Coordination of any animal issues during disasters • Livestock & poultry disease response • Coordinate animal response team of state, federal agencies, and industry partners • USDA-VS, USDA-AC, TDA, AgriLife, A&M and others • Industry partners include: TSCRA, ICA, TPF, TCFA, TAD, TPPA
TAHC-What we do • Coordinate state-level response to animal-related resource requests • Deploy ICS-trained TAHC personnel & Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team • Pet sheltering support (via A&M VET, TDEM, NGO contacts state & national) • Donations, hay & feed w/ AgriLife & TDA
TAHC- Why planning is important • PETS Act and HB 88 • Definition of household pets & service animals • Animal issues are people issues • Need to educate all responders
TAHC-What communities can do • Develop animal issues committee plans • Locate resources at: • http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/emergency/localplanning.html • Link animal responders to emergency management • Resources – request animal related resources just like anything else!
TAHC-What communities can do • CARCASS DISPOSAL • Work with TCEQ to develop disposal plans • Use Disposal CARP for other considerations when doing disposal
TAHC-What communities can do • Issues to be dealt with locally: • Displaced animals • Donations management • Re-entry • Veterinary medical care • Educate the public • Integrate local veterinarians
TAHC-What communities can do • SHELTER: • Pet friendly vs. animal only shelters • Care of animals while in shelter • ID of animals returning animals home • Red-Cross shelters and co-located shelters • Work with evacuating communities!!! • Use Shelter CARP for more considerations
TAHC-What communities can do • Work with local non-profits to help find resources • Pre-plan to identify & address gaps • Educate public!
TAHC • Contact: • Amanda Bernhard, EMC • Amanda.bernhard@tahc.state.tx.us • 512-719-0792 • OR • TAHC Regional Director/Supervising Inspector • Contact information located at: • www.tahc.state.tx.us