Dr Herbert Schneider reported to the Executive Committee during their meeting in Bangalore, the progress that his committee had made towards establishing the role of veterinarians in times of emergency. There were a number of areas investigated so far and Dr Schneider said that the committee looked to draw on expertise and experience where it existed around the World. Dr Schneider met with Dr Garry Swanston who reported on the devastating effects of the volcanic eruptions in Montserrat and the veterinary implications of such an event. He also met with veterinarians from Kenya where there had been recent floods. Dr Schneider reported on plans to develop requirements for rescue dogs that would facilitate their immediate access into countries where their services are required.
Most countries have health requirements to be met before dogs can be imported.
The World Veterinary Association is looking to facilitate importation by establishing a special health status to which these dogs could be maintained. Of concern to most countries is the risk of rabies. If we can establish an acceptable level of immunity to rabies in these dogs, we should be able to see their importation with no post-arrival quarantine so that they can begin their rescue work immediately. For further information, contact Dr Herbert Schneider.