Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team deploys in response to wildfires

CANADIAN, Texas (KFDA) - The state of Texas has deployed many resources to the Panhandle, and one of them is helping animals impacted by the fires.

The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) deployed Wednesday in response to the fires.

The team is staged, along with other state resources, at the Jones Pavilion in Canadian.

The first couple of days, the team focused on providing care to the Texas A&M Task Force One rescue dogs that search burned homes to make sure residents are accounted for.

“We put the protection on, make sure that they stay hydrated and take care of them if they get injured,” said Dr. Deb Zoran, VET director.

The team has now transitioned into the second phase: helping area vets that may be overwhelmed, along with helping ranchers.

“Right now, our role has been very heavily taking care of burned cattle, horses, goats, sheep and animals from around the countryside,” said Dr. Zoran.

Dr. Zoran says many times, the smoke and heat from wildfires will affect the animal’s respiratory system.

“They will get lung injury and so early on, nobody may recognize that. But day three, four and five, you start to see them getting respiratory problems. We’re starting to see that and the ranchers are starting to ask for help with that,” said Dr. Zoran.

The team is also treating burns to feet and hooves before they go down.

“What that does is allows that producer to be able to get those cattle shipped off and be able to maybe not lose everything, because once they go down they can’t even be sent to slaughter,” said Dr. Zoran.

While this team is helping in Canadian, West Texas A&M and Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine is helping in other areas.

The team relies heavily on donors to provide care during disasters. To support the team’s mission, click here.

If you’re a resident who has been affected by the wildfires, the VET is ready to support cattle, horses, and other livestock, as well as companion animals with veterinary care at no cost.

Click here and provide your name, phone number and a brief description of your need and the VET will contact you to assist your animals.

The team expects to be in town until help is no longer needed.