VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES

We have all been touched by the tragedy that has gripped Victoria in the terrible heat of this summer. The loss of human life and property has given us pause to reflect on just how fortunate we are, and what are the truly important things in life.

We have had numerous enquiries from our clients about the impact that the bush fires have had on animal populations, and how they might be able to help.

The bad news is that the impact on both domestic animals and wildlife has been

profound. Veterinary clinics have been destroyed. Pets, livestock and wildlife have died. Many animals who did survive were so badly injured that they had to be euthanased immediately that they were presented for assessment. At the same time, many animals are being cared for by both veterinary personnel and members of the public, and should ultimately make a full recovery.

 Another grave aspect is the profound effect that the fires have had on the bush itself; it will be many years before its complex ecosystem is able to approach its previous condition. We can only hope that there is some chance of re-establishing the

biodiversity that was there before.

The good news is that there has been a massive and coordinated response from the animal community to help out. The Victorian Division of the Australian Veterinary Association coordinated the initial veterinary response, providing temporary one-month registration to veterinarians from other states who volunteered their services, and evacuating injured animals to veterinary hospitals in Melbourne. The RSPCA, volunteer wildlife carers and members of the public also played a crucial role in the initial response.

 The AVA has been overwhelmed with offers of support from members of the

profession. Individuals, veterinary practices and drug companies have donated much-needed supplies. One of the principal difficulties has been matching people’s desire to help with the needs on the ground. In response to the need for greater coordination of resources, the Veterinary Emergency Taskforce has been set up.

The Taskforce will help coordinate the movement of people and supplies to where they’re needed. Dr Norm Blackman, a past president of the AVA, is leading the taskforce, and communicating with all the organisations and informal networks on the ground taking care of injured or homeless animals. The Veterinary Emergency Taskforce will be funded by the AVA’s Veterinary Emergency Support Trust.

If you would like to donate to the trust to help fund this work, you can complete the donation form on the AVA’s website and return it to the AVA National Office by fax on (02) 9437 9068.

You can also phone AVA Member Services on 1300 137 309 to make a credit card donation.

In Australia we have, by necessity, become accustomed to the harsh extremes that our country offers up to us, but the scale of this particular tragedy has given us all pause.

To all of our clients who have been concerned about the impact of the fires on our fellow creatures, you can rest assured that the veterinary community is doing everything in its power to minimise the damage done.