Support Annex – Animal Care and Control

Animal Sheltering

________________________________________________

Primary Agency

Animal Care and Control Officers

Secondary/Supporting Agencies

Central Shenandoah Health District

Emergency Management

Virginia Cooperative Extension

SPCA

Rockingham County Fairgrounds

VSART/CART

Local Veterinarians

Introduction

Purpose:

The Animal Care and Control Annex provides basic guidance for all participants in animal related emergency management activities. This includes guidance for all departments and agencies providing assistance in response to a local disaster declaration. The animal care and control function is a component of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 11 – Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The emergency mission of animal care and control is to provide rapid response to emergencies affecting the health, safety and welfare of animals. Animal care and control activities in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery include, but are not limited to, companion animals, livestock and wildlife care, facility usage, displaced pet/livestock assistance, animal owner reunification, and carcass disposal.

Scope:

This annex is applicable to departments and agencies that are participating and responding with assistance or relief to an animal emergency as coordinated by Emergency Management.

Definitions:

Household Pet: Species suitable to be companion animals include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, birds, guinea pigs and select other small mammals, small reptiles, and fish. Where they may be kept legally and responsibly, domestic-bred farm animals can also be maintained as companions. ASPCA 2021

Feral/Stray Domesticated Animals: An animal that is typically known as a household pet that is either not with its owners by accident or otherwise or has reverted back to a wild state.

Livestock: Domesticated animals that may be kept or raised in pens, houses, pastures, or on farms as part of an agricultural or farming operation, whether for commerce or private use. Such animals may include goats, sheep, beef or dairy cattle, horses, hogs or pigs, donkeys or mules, bees, rabbits or 'exotic' animals (those raised outside their indigenous environs) such as camels, llamas, emus, ostriches, or any animal, including reptiles, kept in an inventory that may be used for food, fiber or pleasure.

Poultry: The class of domesticated fowl (birds) used for food or for their eggs. These most typically are members of the orders Galliformes (such as chickens and turkeys), and Anseriformes (waterfowl such as ducks and geese).

Wildlife: All animals, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, which are indigenous to the area and are ferae naturae or wild by nature.

Exotic Animals: Any animal that is not normally domesticated in the United States and wild by nature, but not considered wildlife, livestock or poultry due to status. This includes, but is not limited to, any of the following orders and families, whether bred in the wild or captivity, and also any of their hybrids with domestic species. Listed examples are not to be construed as an exhaustive list or limit the generality of each group of animals, unless otherwise specified.

Non-human primates and prosimians – examples: monkeys, lemurs, baboons, and chimpanzees

Felidae (excluding domesticated cats) – examples: lions, tigers, bobcats, lynx, cougars, and jaguars

Canidae (excluding domesticated dogs) – examples: wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals

Ursidae – examples: all bears

Reptilia – examples: snakes, lizards, turtles

Crocodilia – examples: alligators, crocodiles, caiman

Proboscidea – examples: elephants

1. Hyaenidae – examples: hyenas

2. Artiodactyl (excluding livestock) – examples: hippopotamuses, giraffes, camels

Procyonidae – examples: raccoons, coatis

Marsupialia – examples: kangaroos, opossums

Perissodactyla (excluding livestock) – examples: rhinoceroses, tapirs

Xenarthra/Edentata – examples: anteaters, sloughs, armadillos

Viverridae – examples: mongooses, civets, genets

Assumptions:

The care and control of non-wildlife and non-feral animals (including household pets, livestock and poultry) is primarily the responsibility of the owner of the animal(s). In times of emergency or disaster, owners may need assistance in the care and control of their animals.

A hazard analysis and vulnerability assessment has been completed which identifies the types of threats, the areas that they threaten, and types and numbers of animals most vulnerable in these areas.

1. The Director of Emergency Management may issue an emergency proclamation or disaster declaration. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) will be used to establish the organizational structure.

2. The EOC may be activated to manage the emergency.

Any disaster may potentially have adverse effects on the jurisdiction’s animal population or the public health and welfare.

State or Federal Assistance to deal with animal emergencies may not be available. Local resources must be utilized before requesting outside assistance.

Policies:

Following recent Congressional action on the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, President Bush signed this historic legislation into law, S. 2548 and H.R. 3858. The PETS Act requires state and local agencies to include animals in their disaster plans.

All Local governments must develop and maintain an animal emergency response plan (VA Code Title 44, Chapter 3.2, 44-146.18, 18) with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal and Food Industry Services has the responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the regulations listed in the Virginia Administrative Code (2 VAC 5) pertaining to the health, humane care, and humane handling of livestock, poultry, and companion animals in the Commonwealth.

Concept of Operations

Organization:

Under ESF 11, Animal Care and Control is designated as the lead agency for animal related emergency management activities.

Animal Care and Control Officers are responsible for developing and implementing the necessary management policies and procedures that will facilitate and ensure a safe, sanitary and effective animal care and control effort. These procedures will be designed to support and expedite emergency response operations, as well as maximize state and federal assistance. Plans and procedures for the Animal Control Officers and supporting agencies define the roles of agencies and support organizations in preparedness, response and recovery of an animal emergency. These plans and procedures establish the concepts and policies under which all elements of their agency will operate during an animal emergency. They will provide the basis for more detailed appendices and procedures that may be used in a response.

The Coordinator of Emergency Management will coordinate with all departments, government entities, and representatives from the private sector who support animal emergency operations. This may involve working with other local jurisdictions that provide mutual aid, state and federal governments, private contractors, local retailers, volunteer organizations, etc. and assuring that all involved have current Memorandums of Agreement with the Locality in respect to their agreed support.

Responsibilities:

Coordinator of Emergency Management

Act as advisor to all involved on emergency management issues.

Animal Control Officers

Determine which agencies/departments/organizations have responsibilities in various types of emergencies for animal care and control.

Maintain current listings of emergency contacts and resources necessary for response to an animal emergency.

Produce and maintain plans, policies and procedures for overarching animal care and control activities, animal recovery, and household pet sheltering; and

Oversee all emergency animal care and control activities (mitigation, planning, response and recovery).

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Produce and maintain maps/listings with locations of large livestock operations and other special animal facilities identified to include volume, contact information, etc., and

Produce and maintain plans, policies and procedures regarding Animal Disease Control.

Action Checklist

Mitigation/Prevention:

Any zoological or wildlife parks, marine animal aquariums, laboratory animal research facilities, university veterinary medical and animal science centers, livestock markets and large livestock operations, will be encouraged to develop emergency procedures and evacuation plans for the animals in their care and custody and provide them to the City/County Emergency Manager for comment and review.

Citizens will be encouraged to develop household emergency plans that would include their pets in all aspects of response, including evacuation and sheltering.

Preparedness:

Emergency Management will:

Develop, maintain, and disseminate animal care and control plans, policies and procedures to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to and recovery from an animal emergency, as well as support and maximize claims of financial assistance from local, state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster.

Provide training to agencies and staff on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for animal preparedness and planning.

Develop the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to maintain an inventory of supplies on hand.

Develop the necessary mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers to expedite the procurement of anticipated resource needs for emergency operations; and

Develop and maintain the necessary measures to protect vital records, critical systems, and essential operations to ensure their uninterrupted continuation during a disaster, as well as to facilitate their full restoration if impacted by the disaster.

Response:

ESF 11 with the support of Animal Care and Control will:

Implement animal care and control plans, policies and procedures in a timely manner to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to an animal emergency.

Provide on-the-spot training as necessary on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for animal response. Report any shortfalls and requests when personnel, supplies, or other assistance is needed.

Implement mutual aid agreements, contracts, and the listing of potential resource providers to fill resource needs for emergency operations.

Protect vital records, critical systems, and essential operations to ensure their uninterrupted continuation during a disaster, as well as to facilitate their full restoration if impacted by the disaster; and

Ensure appropriate recordkeeping such that federal or state disaster assistance can be sought for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Support and maximize claims of financial assistance from state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster.

Recovery:

All involved will:

1. Complete an after-action review with all responding parties.

2. Review animal care and control plans, policies and procedures in respect to the recent emergency response. Update as necessary and disseminate.

Review and update the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to replenish used on-hand inventory of supplies.

Review mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers in respect to recent emergency response. Update as necessary and disseminate.

Review measures to protect vital records, critical systems, and essential operations to ensure their uninterrupted continuation during a disaster, as well as to facilitate their full restoration if impacted by the disaster. Update as necessary and disseminate; and

Assist the Department of Finance in the preparation and submission of disaster assistance applications to the appropriate state and/or federal agencies for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Administration and Logistics

Administration:

Basic administrative and accountability procedures for any animal emergency will be followed as required by local, state and federal regulations. As with any disaster or incident response, the NIMS/ICS will be used to organize and coordinate response activity.

Logistics:

If supplies, materials, and equipment are required, records will be maintained in accordance with local, state and federal reporting requirements. All procurement processes will follow appropriate City/County procurement policies and regulations, as well as state and federal policies and regulations as necessary.

Public Information:

The Public Information Officer will follow procedures established to:

Ensure coordination with Emergency Management and appropriate agricultural, veterinary, and public health officials to provide periodic spot announcements to the public on pertinent aspects of the emergency; and

Coordinate with the media in the event of animal emergency to disseminate timely and factual information.

Direction and Control

All animal emergencies will be coordinated through the EOC and employ the NIMS/ICS.

The EOC is responsible for providing support and resources to the Incident Commander.

The Emergency Manager will assist the senior elected official in the EOC and coordinate with the PIO. The Emergency Manager and PIO will have at least one assistant to support 24-hour operations and act in the absence of the primary.

In the event an incident is suspected or determined to be a terrorist event, a Joint Operations Center will be established to coordinate Federal and State support. A separate Joint Information Center will provide media interface.

Plan Development and Maintenance

This plan should be reviewed annually in its entirity for any needed updates, revisions, or additions. It is the responsibility for the Animal Control Officers, as the lead agency for this plan, to ensure that this is completed. This plan should also be reviewed after every incident in which it is activated to reflect any needed updates, revisions or additions that were found within that response effort.

Support Annex – Animal Care and Control

Attachment 1 – Household Pet Sheltering Plan

________________________________________________

Primary Agency

Animal Control Officers

Secondary/Supporting Agencies

Central Shenandoah Health District

Emergency Management

Virginia Cooperative Extension

SPCA

Rockingham County Fairgrounds

VSART/CART

Local Veterinarians

Introduction

Purpose:

The Animal Care and Control Annex, Household Pet Sheltering Plan provides basic guidance for all participants in animal related emergency evacuation and sheltering management activities. This includes guidance for all departments and agencies providing assistance in response to a local disaster declaration. The animal care and control function is a component of Emergency Support Function (ESF) #11 – Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Although, the sheltering and protection of animals is the responsibility of their owners, City/County Animal Control is the lead agency on animal issues and is responsible for situation assessment and determination of resource needs. ESF 11 in coordination with ESF 6 (Mass Care, Housing, and Human Resources) will work to establish pet friendly shelters. This is an effort to assist evacuated residents find shelter with or near companion animals during a declared evacuation. It is the goal of this plan to control and support the humane care and treatment of companion animals during an emergency situation and to provide safe sheltering for people and their pets before, during or after a disaster in a designated site in cooperation with the Department of Social Services.

Scope:

This annex is applicable to departments and agencies that are participating and responding with assistance or relief to an emergency requiring the sheltering of people and their household pets as coordinated by Emergency Management.

Situation:

In Harrisonburg/Rockingham County, there are an estimated:

• 29,000 dogs,

• 32,000 cats,

• 4,000 birds

After Hurricane Andrew devastated Florida in 1992 and Katrina hit both Louisiana and Mississippi in September of 2005, city emergency response personnel realized the convergence of a need to care for animal and people during a disaster. They learned that, under adverse circumstances, the ultimate safety of many citizens depends on the safety of their pets. Until that time, people in harm’s way were told by state emergency management to evacuate their home, but to leave their pets. Relaying this information has often created situations where animals were technically neglected and/or abandoned and it added additional stress to people who evacuate without their animals. These scenarios produce serious complications for Emergency Management.

It stands to reason, if humans were at risk from an impending cataclysm, so were the lives of animals, and vice versa. We now understand that many people, especially the elderly, simply do not abandon their companion animals, even in life-threatening situations. This creates additional avoidable burdens for responders.

Assumptions:

Any emergency resulting in evacuation of residents to a shelter will result in household pet issues.

The protection of household pets is ultimately the responsibility of their owner.

Many household pet owners will not evacuate to safety if their pets must stay behind.

Pet owners frequently will not evacuate to shelters if their pets are not allowed.

This type of behavior puts animals, their owners and emergency responders at risk.

Pet-friendly shelters will only shelter those animals defined as household pets.

No dogs with a known bite history or previously classified by Animal Control as “Dangerous” or “Potentially Dangerous” will be accepted into a pet-friendly shelter.

No dog that shows signs of aggression during initial check-in will be accepted.

All dogs and cats must be accompanied by proof of current vaccinations and current rabies tags.

No feral cats or wild-trapped cats will be accepted.

Animals should be brought to the Pet-Friendly shelter in a suitable cage or on a leash provided by the owner.

Birds must be brought in the owner’s cage. Bird breeders with large numbers of birds will need to seek sanctuary elsewhere.

Pocket pets (hamsters, gerbils, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, etc.) must be brought to shelter in owner’s cage. The cage must be of good material to prevent escape.

No reptiles will be accepted.

Concept of Operations

Organization:

Under ESF #11, the Animal Control Officers are designated as the lead for animal care and control. In response to an emergency requiring sheltering, ESF #11 will work together with other ESFs including ESF #6, Mass Care, Housing and Human Services, to complete the mission of household pet sheltering. Other agencies/ESFs may need to be utilized to fulfill associated needs as determined.

Animal Control Officers, in coordination with Department of Social Services and/or Red Cross, is responsible for developing and implementing the necessary management policies and procedures that will facilitate and ensure a safe, sanitary and effective animal care and control effort. These procedures will be designed to support and expedite emergency response operations, as well as maximize state and federal assistance. Plans and procedures for the Animal Control Officers and supporting agencies define the roles of agencies and support organizations in preparedness, response and recovery of an animal emergency. These plans and procedures establish the concepts and policies under which all elements of their agency will operate during household pet sheltering activities. They will provide the basis for more detailed standard operating procedures that may be used in a response.

Animal Control Officers will coordinate with all departments, government entities, and volunteer organizations, and representatives from the private sector who support pet-friendly sheltering operations. This may involve working with other local jurisdictions that provide mutual aid, state and federal governments, private contractors, local retailers, volunteer organizations, etc. and assuring that all involved have current Memorandums of Agreement with the Locality in respect to their agreed support.

Responsibilities:

Coordinator of Emergency Management

Prepare and coordinate pre-incident training and exercise of pet-friendly shelter incident management teams to included NIMS, ICS, EOC Operations, and reimbursement procedures for eligible costs under state and federal public assistance programs.

Obtain and deliver pre-identified resource requirements to the appropriate shelter sites within the time schedule agreed upon; and

Obtain and deliver requested but not previously identified resource requirements as expeditiously as possible.

Animal Control Officers

Create and maintain all household pet sheltering policies, plans and procedures.

Maintain current listing of emergency contacts and resources necessary for a household pet sheltering response.

Coordinate and ensure rapid response to pet-friendly sheltering needs.

Coordinate with the EOC on incident management activities for the overall operation of the pet-friendly shelters.

1. Coordinate with Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), volunteer organizations, partners from the private sector, and contractors who are staffing and providing support to shelter operations.

2. Maintain situational awareness of pet-friendly shelter operations and provide situation/status reports/updates to the EOC.

Process requests for assistance or additional resources to support household pet sheltering operations through the EOC.

Facilitate the reunification of pets to owners during the transition from response to recovery.

Provide shelter occupancy data to facilitate the movement of traffic along the evacuation routes.

Use media to assist with outreach efforts to citizens on evacuation education pre-event and notification during an event regarding routing to be used.

Coordinate with ESF 6 on activation and management of pet-friendly shelters; and

Provide subject matter expertise to support agencies, as needed.

Department of Social Services/Red Cross

Coordinate the relationship between the human and household animal sheltering functions; and

Assist in creating public information releases regarding sheltering in coordination with Animal Control and the EOC.

Central Shenandoah Health District

Assure the safety and security of household pet sheltering personnel.

Enforce movement restrictions and establish perimeters for pet-friendly sheltering areas.

Action Checklist

Mitigation/Prevention:

Encouraged citizens to develop emergency plans and go-kits for the animals in their care.

Determine the best means for information dissemination to the public in about any evacuation orders and related sheltering activities.

Preparedness:

Establish an organizational structure, chain of command, and outline of duties and responsibilities, required for any household pet sheltering response.

Develop, maintain, and disseminate household pet sheltering plans, policies and procedures to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to and recovery from an animal emergency.

Identify local veterinarians, humane societies, local household pet sheltering volunteers and animal control personnel. Include them in site-specific standard operating procedures Ensure that contact information is maintained.

Provide training to agencies, staff and volunteers on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for animal preparedness and planning.

Develop the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to maintain an inventory of supplies on hand.

Develop the necessary mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers to expedite the procurement of anticipated resource needs for emergency operations.

Support and maximize claims of financial assistance from state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster.

Response:

Implement household pet sheltering plans, policies and procedures to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to an animal emergency, as well as support and maximize claims of financial assistance from state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster.

Secure supplies, equipment, personnel and technical assistance from support agencies, organizations and other resources to carry out the response plans associated with animal health emergency management.

Provide on-the-spot training as necessary on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for household pet sheltering response. Report any shortfalls and request needed assistance or supplies. Request assistance from the Commonwealth as needed.

Implement mutual aid agreements, contracts, and the listing of potential resource providers to fill resource needs for emergency operations.

Provide household pet sheltering support in a timely manner; and

Ensure appropriate recordkeeping such that federal or state disaster assistance can be sought for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Recovery:

Complete an after-action review with all responding parties.

Review household pet sheltering plans, policies and procedures in respect to the recent emergency response. Update as necessary and disseminate.

Review and update the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to replenish used on-hand inventory of supplies.

Review mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers in respect to recent emergency response. Update as necessary and disseminate; and

Assist the Department of Finance in the preparation and submission of disaster assistance applications to the appropriate state and/or federal agencies for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Plan Development and Maintenance

This plan should be reviewed annually in its entirity for any needed updates, revisions, or additions. It is the responsibility for the Animal Control Officers, as the lead agency for this plan, to ensure that this is completed. This plan should also be reviewed after every incident in which it is activated to reflect any needed updates, revisions or additions that were found within that response effort.

Support Annex – Animal Care and Control

Attachment 2 – Animal Disease Management Plan

________________________________________________

Primary Agency

Emergency Management

Secondary/Supporting Agencies

Central Shenandoah Health District

Animal Control

Virginia Cooperative Extension

SPCA

Local Livestock/Poultry Operators

Local Growers/Planters

Local Veterinarians

Introduction

Purpose:

The Animal Care and Control Annex, Animal Disease Management Plan provides basic guidance that addresses rapid local response to Foreign Animal Disease or Animal Disease (FAD/AD) incidents and other events affecting the health, safety and welfare of humans and animals in disaster situations. A coordinated local response is necessary to effectively deal with the crisis and minimize the consequences in order to return the jurisdiction to normal as quickly as possible following a disaster or incident. Due to their complexity, infectious animal diseases add new dimensions to disaster management. There are many disease characteristics to consider such as stability of the agent, route of transmission, incubation time, potential species affected, and the potential (zoonotic) transfer to humans.

Scope:

This annex is applicable to departments and agencies that are participating and responding with assistance or relief to a FAD/AD emergency as coordinated by Emergency Management.

Situation:

In recent years, several serious FAD/AD outbreaks have occurred outside of the United States. The importation of animals and animal products from foreign countries, the ease of travel throughout the world, and the ongoing threat of agro-terrorism, indicates our vulnerability to a FAD/AD. The introduction of an FAD/AD would present Harrisonburg/Rockingham County, State, and Nation with a time sensitive, critical situation that affects not only animal health, but also a

potentially debilitating economic situation. Protecting the agriculture and food distribution industry in Harrisonburg/Rockingham County requires cooperation, participation and partnership.

Any large disaster or emergency may cause substantial suffering to human and animal populations. With the advent of larger animal production facilities, an ever-increasing pet population, and the increased vulnerability to intentional introduction of animal disease, a coordinated local animal response plan is imperative.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture is tasked with dealing with infectious animal and plant diseases and has the authority to work with local officials and responders to make all necessary rules for suppression and prevention of infectious and contagious diseases among animals and mitigating the spread of plant disease in the state (see Animal Care and Control Annex Basic Document – Policies). Depending on the size and nature of the event, the Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC) may be activated to coordinate other state agency and city/county resources needed to respond, contain, and eradicate the disease. The Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan, Emergency Support Function #11, Agriculture and Natural Resources Annex addresses interagency cooperation and responsibilities at the state level in the event local resources are overwhelmed.

Not all animal disease introductions require emergency response functions. Many disease introductions are routinely handled by private practice veterinarians. Response measures are greatly influenced by the infectivity of the disease, it’s characteristics of transmission, and the actions necessary to contain it. Response functions may be initiated in the event of an introduction of a highly infectious animal disease, foreign animal disease, emerging animal disease, or any other animal disease that meets one or more of the following criteria:

It is one of the International Animal Health Code “List A” diseases, as designated by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) which lists the following diseases:

Foot and mouth disease

Swine vesicular disease

Peste des petits ruminants

Rinderpest

Lumpy skin disease

Bluetongue

African horse sickness

Vesicular stomatitis

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

Rift Valley fever

Sheep pox and goat pox

Classical swine fever

African swine fever

Highly pathogenic avian influenza

New castle disease

It falls outside of the domain of the locality’s routine prevention and response activities and capabilities.

It is highly contagious, and therefore creates a significant risk of rapid transmission across a large geographic and/or non-contiguous areas; and

It creates the potential to cause widespread personal hardship within the agricultural community and/or is detrimental to the local, state or national economy.

Assumptions:

The identification of a FAD/AD outbreak anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia would affect Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. This could result in the creation and enforcement of movement controls of people, livestock, agricultural products, and other property.

It is likely that livestock producers will be the first to notice unusual behavior or symptoms in their animals.

Private veterinary practitioners will likely be the first responders to any FAD/AD outbreak. A local veterinarian is required to immediately notify the State Veterinarian of suspected FAD/AD.

Suspected or positive detection of a FAD/AD in Harrisonburg/Rockingham County will prompt State and/or federal officials to employ additional precautions to prevent or mitigate the possibility of spreading the disease.

The potential exists in Virginia for FAD/AD introduction as a mechanism of agro-terrorism

Numerous local, State and federal agencies will play a role in eradicating the disease.

Large numbers of domestic livestock and wildlife may need to be destroyed or controlled to prevent the spread of a disease after it has been confirmed locally.

Immediate quarantine areas may be required where suspected or confirmed cases may have originated, inside of which increased biosecurity measures can be implemented. The zone establishment may require the development of cleaning and disinfecting procedures and additional record keeping by producers and/or veterinarians.

Facilities and transport vehicles suspected of being contaminated will need to be cleaned and disinfected.

Depopulation of animals will be conducted in the most humane, expeditious manner to stop the spread of the disease and limit the number of animals affected.

Carcass disposal sites will need to be rapidly identified or other solutions such as rendering, burial on site or incineration utilized.

Concept of Operations

Organization:

In response to a FAD/AD, Emergency Management will work with ESF #11, as well as with other ESFs including ESF #8, Health and Medical, and ESF #10, Oil and Hazardous Materials Response, to complete the mission of animal disease control. Other agencies/ESFs may need to be utilized to fulfill other needs as determined.

The Coordinator of Emergency Management, in coordination with VDH, VDEQ, and VDACS is responsible for developing and implementing the necessary management policies and procedures that will facilitate and ensure a safe, sanitary and effective animal care and control effort. These procedures will be designed to support and expedite emergency response operations, as well as maximize state and federal assistance. Plans and procedures for the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and supporting agencies define the roles of agencies and support organizations in preparedness, response and recovery of an animal emergency. These plans and procedures establish the concepts and policies under which all elements of their agency will operate during a FAD/AD. They will provide the basis for more detailed standard operating procedures that may be used in a response.

The Coordinator of Emergency Management will coordinate with all departments, government entities, and representatives from the private sector who support FAD/AD operations. This may involve working with other local jurisdictions that provide mutual aid, state and federal governments, private contractors, local retailers, volunteer organizations, etc. and assuring that all involved have current Memorandums of Agreement with the Locality in respect to their agreed support.

Responsibilities:

Coordinator of Emergency Management

Act as advisor to local veterinarians, regulatory veterinarians, humane organizations, farm service agents, and others on emergency management issues.

In cooperation with VDEQ, VDACS, and the local grower/plant, determine the best method for disposing of dead animals; and

Assist in the selection of a disposal site

Virginia Extension Cooperative

Maintain current listing of emergency contacts and resources necessary for an FAD/AD response.

Coordinate and ensure rapid response to suspected or proven FAD/AD.

Determine potential of spread in coordination with VDACS and USDA. Respond accordingly.

Coordinate with agriculture environmental officials (ESF #11) to determine the best methods for disposing of dead animals; and

Coordinate with health officials (ESF #8) to determine potential impact on humans and disease prevention options if necessary.

Central Shenandoah Health District, Virginia Department of Health

Determine potential human impact of the disease and determine protective actions as necessary; and

Assist in preparing public outreach and education materials in response to the FAD/AD.

Police Departments/Sheriff’s Office

Assure the safety and security of veterinarians and inspection personnel.

Enforce movement restrictions and establish perimeters for quarantine areas; and

Assist in investigation if the incident is ruled deliberate disease introduction.

Harrisonburg Fire Department/Rockingham County Fire & Rescue

Coordinate decontamination stations in coordination with ESF #11, ESF #8, and ESF #10; and

Aid in possible rescue situations.

City/County Public Works

Assist in perimeter rerouting and logistical support; and

Support needs for disposal resources.

Action Checklist

Mitigation/Prevention:

Encourage any laboratory animal research facilities, livestock markets and large livestock operations, to develop FAD/AD emergency procedures and plans for the animals in the care and custody and provide them to the Coordinators of Emergency Management for comment and review; and

Determine the best means for information dissemination to the public in the event of a FAD/AD emergency.

Preparedness:

The Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (through VEOC ESF #11), will establish an organizational structure, chain of command, and outline of duties and responsibilities, required for any FAD/AD response.

Develop, maintain, and disseminate animal care and control plans, policies and procedures to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to and recovery from an animal emergency.

Identify local veterinarians, humane societies, and animal control personnel. List them in the appropriate standard operating procedures and ensure that contact information is maintained.

Provide training to agencies and staff on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for animal emergency preparedness and planning.

Develop the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to maintain an inventory of supplies on hand.

Develop the necessary mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers to expedite the procurement of anticipated resource needs for emergency operations.

Support and maximize claims of financial assistance from state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster;

Response:

Provide animal disease management support in a timely manner.

Immediately report any suspected or observed cases of FAD/AD to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and/or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Implement animal care and control plans, policies and procedures to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to an animal emergency.

Secure supplies, equipment, personnel and technical assistance from support agencies, organizations and other resources to carry out the response plans associated with animal health emergency management,

Provide on-the-spot training as necessary on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for animal response. Report any shortfalls and request for needed assistance or supplies. Request assistance from the Commonwealth as needed.

Implement mutual aid agreements, contracts, and the listing of potential resource providers to fill resource needs for emergency operations.

Protect vital records, critical systems, and essential operations to ensure their uninterrupted continuation during a disaster, as well as to facilitate their full restoration if impacted by the disaster.

Ensure appropriate recordkeeping such that federal or state disaster assistance can be sought for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Support and maximize claims of financial assistance from state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster.

Recovery:

Evaluate quarantines that were put in place during the FAD/AD outbreak to decide if they are still needed.

Augment veterinary medical services to expedite rapid recovery.

Complete an event review with all responding parties.

Review animal disease management plans, policies and procedures in respect to the recent emergency response. Update as necessary and disseminate.

1. Review and update the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to replenish used on-hand inventory of supplies.

2. Review mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers in respect to recent emergence response. Update as necessary and disseminate; and

Assist the Department of Finance in the preparation and submission of disaster assistance applications to the appropriate state and/or federal agencies for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Plan Development and Maintenance

This plan should be reviewed annually in its entirity for any needed updates, revisions, or additions. This plan should also be reviewed after every incident in which it is activated to reflect any needed updates, revisions or additions that were found within that response effort.

Support Annex – Animal Care and Control

Attachment 3 – Animal Recovery Plan

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Primary Agency

Animal Control Officers

Secondary/Supporting Agencies

Central Shenandoah Health District

Emergency Management

Fire and Rescue Agencies

Virginia Cooperative Extension

SPCA

Rockingham County Fairgrounds

Local Veterinarians

Introduction

Purpose:

The Animal Care and Control Annex, Animal Recovery Plan provides basic guidance for all participants in an animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification scenario. This includes guidance for all departments and agencies providing assistance in response to a local disaster declaration. The animal care and control function is a component of Emergency Support Function (ESF) #11 – Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Although, the care and control of animals is the responsibility of their owners, Animal Control is the lead on animal issues and is responsible for situation assessment and determination of resource needs. Animals are not only companions but can be the livelihood of families and communities where agriculture is key. In some situations, owners will not be able to evacuate their animals, and due to impacts of the event, they may not be able to re-enter the area post-event to recover or care for their animals. It is the goal of this plan to control and support the animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification process during or after an emergency situation and to ensure the continued care of those animals that are unable to be relocated outside of the disaster area.

Scope:

This annex is applicable to departments and agencies that are participating and responding with assistance or relief to an emergency requiring the search, rescue, recovery or reunification of animals with their owners as coordinated by Emergency Management.

Situation:

Any natural, technological or manmade disaster could affect the well-being of animals. Although many owners of animals will work very diligently to protect their animals in the event of an emergency, it is not always feasible or possible to relocate the animals in every situation. Some animals may be left behind because families are unable to enter a hazardous area to retrieve their animals, the number or size (such as a herd of cattle) of the animal(s) make it unfeasible to relocate within a reasonable timeframe, or the owners do not feel that they have any other option, either due to lack of proper planning or education, when evacuating themselves.

In these cases, it will be vital to assist these animal owners in the search, rescue, recovery and care of these animals until they can be reunited with their owners.

Assumptions:

The care and control of non-wildlife and non-feral animals (including household pets, livestock and poultry) is primarily the responsibility of the owner of the animal(s). In times of emergency or disaster, owners may need assistance in the care and control of their animals.

People will frequently try to reenter an area to retrieve animals before an all clear is given.

Those animals that become homeless, lost or stray as a result of a disaster will be protected by Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Volunteer organizations will assist in this effort.

Those animals that are rescued and are not claimed by their owners within the timeframe stated within the local ordinances will be considered the property of the locality and normal animal care and control policies and procedures will be followed regarding euthanasia, adoption, and/or release to rescue organizations.

Policies and procedures will be written detailing how to implement requests for animal search and rescue, animal identification requirements and in-place animal care.

Concept of Operations

Organization:

Under ESF #11, the Animal Control Officer is designated as the lead agency for animal care and control. In response to an emergency requiring sheltering, ESF #11 will work together with other ESFs to complete the mission of animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification as necessary.

The Animal Control Officers are responsible for developing and implementing the necessary management policies and procedures that will facilitate and ensure a safe, sanitary and effective animal care and control effort for day-to-day operations and emergency response. The emergency plans will define the roles of agencies and support organizations in preparedness, response and recovery of an animal emergency and establish the concepts and policies under which all elements of the responding agencies will operate during animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification activities. They will provide the basis for more detailed standard operating procedures that may be used in a response.

The Lead Animal Control Officer will coordinate with all departments, government entities, and representatives from the private sector who support animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification activities. This may involve working with other local jurisdictions that provide mutual aid, state and federal governments, private contractors, local retailers, volunteer organizations, etc. and assuring that all involved have current Memorandums of Agreement with the Locality in respect to their agreed support.

Responsibilities:

Coordinator of Emergency Management

Prepare and coordinate pre-incident training and exercise of animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification teams to included NIMS, ICS, EOC Operations, and reimbursement procedures for eligible costs under state and federal public assistance programs.

Coordinate with owners to ensure the in-place needs of agricultural animals are met.

Obtain and deliver pre-identified resource requirements to the appropriate sites within the time schedule agreed upon; and

Obtain and deliver requested but not previously identified resource requirements as expeditiously as possible.

Animal Control

Create and maintain all animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification policies, plans and procedures.

Maintain current listing of emergency contacts and resources necessary for an animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification response.

Coordinate and ensure rapid response to animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification needs.

Coordinate incident management activities with the City/County EOC, volunteer relief organizations, NGOs, and contractors who are staffing and supporting shelter operations for the overall process of the animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification effort.

Process requests for assistance or additional resources to support search, rescue, recovery and reunification operations through the EOC.

Use the media to assist with outreach efforts to notify citizens of the efforts of animal control on animal recovery issues.

Monitor, coordinate and manage animal recovery activities activation and sequencing.

Maintain situational awareness of animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification operations and provide situation/status reports/updates to the EOC.

Provide subject matter expertise to support agencies, as needed.

Department of Social Services/Red Cross

Assist in creating public information releases regarding sheltering in coordination with Animal Control.

Coordinate with Animal Control on management and operation of pet friendly shelters and reunification of pets with owners.

Police Departments/Sheriff’s Office

Assure the safety and security of animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification personnel; and

Enforce movement restrictions and establish perimeters for animal recovery and reunification areas.

Action Checklist

Mitigation/Prevention:

Encourage citizens to develop emergency plans and evacuation plans for the animals in their care.

Determine the best means and method for disseminating information to the public regarding animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification activities.

Preparedness:

Establish an organizational structure, chain of command, and outline of duties and responsibilities, required for any animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification response.

Develop, maintain, and disseminate animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification plans, policies and procedures to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to and recovery from an animal emergency.

Identify local veterinarians, humane societies, volunteers and animal control personnel. Include them in standard operating procedures and ensure that contact information is maintained.

Provide training to agencies, staff and volunteers on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for animal preparedness and planning.

Develop the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to maintain an inventory of supplies on hand; and

Develop the necessary mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers to expedite the procurement of anticipated resource needs for emergency operations.

Support and maximize claims of financial assistance from state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster.

Response:

Implement animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification plans, policies and procedures to ensure the safe, sanitary and efficient response to an animal emergency.

Secure supplies, equipment, personnel, and technical assistance from support agencies, organizations and other resources to carry out the response plans associated with animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification.

Provide on-the-spot training as necessary on task-appropriate plans, policies and procedures.

Provide adequate support for animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification response. Report any shortfalls and request needed assistance or supplies. Coordinate with the EOC for assistance from the Commonwealth as needed.

Implement mutual aid agreements, contracts, and the listing of potential resource providers to fill resource needs for emergency operations.

Provide animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification support in a timely manner.

Ensure appropriate recordkeeping such that federal or state disaster assistance can be sought for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Support and maximize claims of financial assistance from state and federal governments, and facilitate audits following the disaster.

Recovery:

Complete an after-action review with all responding parties.

Review animal search, rescue, recovery and reunification plans, policies and procedures in respect to the recent emergency response. Update as necessary and disseminate,

Review and update the necessary logistical support to carry out emergency tasking. Instruct all departments to replenish used on-hand inventory of supplies.

Review mutual aid agreements, sample contracts, and listing of potential resource providers in respect to recent emergence response. Update as necessary and disseminate; and

Assist the Department of Finance in the preparation and submission of disaster assistance applications to the appropriate state and/or federal agencies for reimbursement of disaster related expenditures.

Plan Development and Maintenance

This plan should be reviewed annually in its entirity for any needed updates, revisions, or additions. It is the responsibility for the Animal Control Officers, as the lead for this plan, to ensure that this is completed. This plan should also be reviewed after every incident in which it is activated to reflect any needed updates, revisions or additions that were found within that response effort.