The role of veterinary sciences in chemical disasters and emergencies

ABSTRACT

The roles of the veterinary sciences in disasters and emergencies related too esposures of the environment to harmful chemicals are reviewed. Characteristics of chemical emergencies which require the use of the veterinary sciences are discussed. Veterinary services are important in the 1) definition of the kind and severity of the pollution through biological monitoring 2) use of animals as monitors of the environment; 3) use of changes in the health status of animals for identification of pathophysiologic changes to man and other animals 4)maintenance of the hygiene of elements of the food chain. 5) evacuation and management of animal populations 6) disponsal of carcasses and 7)treatment and follow-up of involved animals populations. Veterinay services are important compoments of reponses to incidents marked by chemical pollution and must be included in the development of contingency plans to meet the demands created by chemical pollution (AU)