The WVA has arranged a seminar on the role that veterinarians should be taking in planning for the response to natural disasters. This seminar will be during the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations Congress in Taipei, Taiwan from 27 - 29 November, 2000. Dr Sebastian Heath from the United States will discuss the role of veterinarians in disasters. Throughout history disasters have killed large populations of animals, reduced the production efficiency and exposed humans to dangerous situations. Therefore, many disasters bring with them serious threats to public health and food security.
Veterinarians have an important role to play in disaster preparedness and response.
The contribution of veterinarians will be most effective if veterinarians integrate their expertise with other local, national and international groups and agencies involved in disaster management. Enhancing national and international veterinary expertise in disasters will promote recognition of the veterinary profession in disaster management and other societal issues, and consolidate a common understanding of the veterinarian's role in disaster management. Dr. Kanagawa Sensei from Japan will make a presentation based on the animal rescue task force set up after the eruption of Mt Usu on March 31, 2000. In view of the circumstances that occurred, as well as those in the Mt Fugen eruption and the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, there have been representations made to establish a systematic structure within the administrative bodies for the rescue operations of small animals. The roles of the veterinary medical associations and the animal protection organisations need to be specified.