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Veterinary
Medical
Assistance
Team 2
VMAT-2 is
based in
Maryland,
though
members
reside
around the
country. The
team
consists of
50 highly
trained
members
which
include
veterinarians,
technicians,
and support
personnel.
Our team
carries all
necessary
supplies,
medical
equipment,
tents, and
enough food
and water to
sustain the
team members
for at least
72 hours.
Our mission
is to
support the
local
veterinary
community in
whatever way
necessary to
help it to
resume its
normal
support of
the
community.
VMAT-2 has
the
capability
of setting
up a full
field
hospital,
and can
provide
medical care
for pets,
search and
rescue dogs,
livestock,
wildlife and
even zoo
animals if
the need
arises. We
may also be
activated to
assist with
food safety
concerns,
zoonotic
disease,
terrorist
events and
toxicological
problems.
VMATs are
available to
assist the
USDA in the
control,
treatment,
and
eradication
of animal
disease
outbreaks.
VMATs must
receive an
invitation
from the
affected
state in
order to be
deployed.
The local
governor may
make a
disaster
declaration
and submit a
request for
assistance.
It is at
this point
that a
request for VMAT
assistance
can be made.
If a state
requests a VMAT, they
will need to
fund the
response.
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