Agricultural News
Department of Agriculture Addresses Needs in Wake of Tornado
Fri, 24 May 2013 10:51:04 CDT
As recovery efforts for the Moore tornado begin to unfold, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is working collaboratively with USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services to continue to provide support for pet and livestock owners affected by the storm.
Hours after the storm on May 20, ODAFF established a pet triage center at the Home Depot in Moore. The center is being operated by ODAFF veterinarians and staff as well as volunteer veterinarians. Animals found in the affected area are brought into the triage center where they are documented, given an identifying number, examined by a veterinarian, photographed and then transported to one of four cooperating local shelters. If an animal needs medical attention, it is transported to one of four designated clinics. The photographs of the incoming animals are posted on Facebook to the McClain County Animal Response Team page and to www.okclostpets.com. Owners are encouraged to visit the triage center to report their missing pets and to visit the online pages to determine if their pet has been located.
County Animal Response Teams were initiated by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps. ODAFF works with CARTs across the state to be prepared to care, rescue, shelter and reunify pets and livestock in times of disaster.
ODAFF staff are also working to address livestock-related issues. Environmental field inspectors as well as other ODAFF and USDA staff are documenting carcass location and disposal for Orr Family Farms and others in need.
In addition to addressing animal-related needs, other agriculture partners have responded with resources, manpower and equipment.
Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of ODAFF, and the Conservation Commission have provided a variety of heavy equipment to assist in clean-up.
ODAFF's Mobile Emergency Response Trailer was delivered to assist Insurance Commissioner John Doak. The trailer is serving as the Insurance Company Response Site at the First Baptist Church in Moore.
Commodity groups have made available prepared meals and food donations. Livestock associations have organized donations of hay, feed and other items as well as a specified fund.
Farm and ranch organizations are collecting donations from members nationwide to address long term needs for tornado victims.
Visit www.okstrong.ok.gov for the latest information or information on where to make a donation. The links to the pet photos are also on this site.
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