Department of Agriculture Releases Guidelines for Handling Katrina Animals          

[SEPT. 21, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) today announced guidelines for individuals, animal rescue organizations, humane societies and shelters who are taking in animals displaced by Hurricane Katrina to follow in order to contain or prevent the spread of disease. IDOA also is creating an information database of all individuals and organizations bringing these displaced animals into Illinois. --

“The tragedy caused by Hurricane Katrina has been followed by an outpouring of compassion from Illinois residents,” Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. “While it is commendable of individuals to open their homes to displaced animals, it is important to remember the health status of these animals is unknown and the proper steps need to be taken immediately upon the animals arriving in Illinois so that the individuals as well as other animals are not put at risk.”
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is asking that the following measures be taken to ensure displaced animals are free of disease and receive proper care:
 

• Animals need to be examined by a licensed veterinarian immediately upon arrival to Illinois.
• Animals should be quarantined until being examined by a veterinarian and treated according to the veterinarian’s recommendations.
• Animals are required to either have proof of current rabies vaccination or be  

revaccinated upon arrival to Illinois.

• Other recommended vaccinations include distemper, parvo and kennel cough.

Animals also should be checked and treated for external parasites such as fleas and ticks as well as tested for heartworm and intestinal parasites.

IDOA is reminding individuals and organizations to consider that many animals may be separated from owners who are searching for them. Therefore, it encourages shelters to work with national databases to reunite these animals with their owners prior to permanent adoption. The department also is asking any pet rescue or shelter to record and report the number of displaced animals they have taken in by calling 217-782-4944 or 217-782-6657. Organizations will be asked to report the name of the shelter or organization, the location of the facility, the number of animals along with the species evacuated to Illinois, the date they were brought in and the source of the animals.
“Compiling this information will allow the Department of Agriculture to keep track of the number of animals brought into Illinois in case of a potential disease outbreak as well as help to reunite companion animals separated from their owners during the disaster,” Illinois State Veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst said. “We’re asking shelters and rescues taking in displaced animals not to immediately adopt out the animals in order to give their owners a chance to find them.”
 

[News release]