Small farms can use a free guide to get ready for emergencies

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently published a disaster preparedness guide specifically tailored to help small farms safeguard their horses, poultry, and other farm animals in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. The guide, titled „Small Farm Preparedness: Disaster Preparedness for Owners of Farm Animals,“ is a free, downloadable booklet that is filled with valuable tips, checklists, and important information for farm animal owners. It is available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The guide serves as a comprehensive resource for farm owners, guiding them through the process of creating a plan, being prepared to execute that plan, and staying informed before, during, and after an emergency. It covers essential topics such as what to do at the first sign of trouble, how to make transportation and housing arrangements for animals, what equipment and information to keep on hand, how to create an evacuation kit in advance, and what steps to take after a disaster has occurred.

For farm owners who may not be present with their animals when a disaster strikes, the guide also provides tips on ensuring that caretakers have the necessary information to care for the animals in their absence and increase the chances of being reunited with lost animals. Additionally, the guide includes printable resources such as evacuation kit checklists and emergency contact cards, making it easy for farm owners to stay organized and prepared.

In addition to the full guide, several resources within it are also available as standalone handouts for veterinary clients. This disaster preparedness resource serves as a one-stop location for veterinary clients with farm animals to access the information they need to help keep their animals safe in times of crisis. By providing valuable tools and resources, the AVMA aims to empower farm owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals and ensure their well-being during emergencies.

The AVMA offers a wide range of disaster planning and preparedness resources for veterinary practices, as well as both pet and livestock owners. These resources can be found on the AVMA website under the Disaster Preparedness section. By utilizing these tools and resources, farm owners can better prepare themselves and their animals for potential emergencies, ultimately helping to safeguard the health and welfare of their farm animals.