The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association would like to thank Adjutant General Kenneth Hara and Brigadier General Steve Logan with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for their efforts working with MEMA (Maui Emergency Management Agency) and Maui Humane Society to help Animal Search and Rescue teams gain access to previously restricted areas on Saturday August 26th. We acknowledge that efforts to search for pet animal survivors are necessarily secondary to ensuring the safety of personnel entering the burn zone and safely securing human remains.
It is important to clarify that steps to provide for animal survivors in the burn zone were taken even when Animal Search & Rescue teams were not allowed access. A FEMA veterinarian has been stationed in the burn zone supporting the canine search teams, and she oversees the delivery of any animals found alive by first responders to the Maui Humane Society for medical care. Food and water were left in various areas throughout the burn zone for any other animals that were hiding from the response teams.
We encourage all who want to provide care to animals in this or future disasters to complete the free FEMA training (ICS 100/200 & IS 700/800) and Community Emergency Response training so they can understand how to best participate in response situations and help their communities.
Updated Aug 17, 2023– All information posted here is subject to change
USDA APHIS has provided the following information for transporting pets off Maui.
Maui Humane Society Maui Humane Society is providing free health certificates and free air kennels for residents that need them to leave the island.
OGG to HNL only Kamaka Airlines – possible discount on flights
OGG to Continental USA – Alaska Airlines – OGG to Seattle and LAX. Assisting with Maui shelters relocating pets. They recommended shelter groups send them a request. They are considering discount requests to pet relocation groups. – Hawaiian Airlines – OGG to SEA and LAX (non-stop flights, no kennel limitations); OGG to SFO and SAN (non-stop with max 28” height kennels)
HNL to LAX – Pacific Air Cargo – book through IPATA Pet Transport Company – Aloha Air Cargo – book through IPATA Pet Transport Company; accepts giant breeds, also flies to Seattle – American Airlines Cargo (PetEmbark) – PetEmbark@aa.com; 1-800-227-4622, (only between HNL and continental US)
Local IPATA Pet Transporters Island Pet Movers – www.islandpetmovers.com/contact (please fill out inquiry) – exotic pets, cats and dogs, fish on case-by-case basis – discount Aug 15-25, OGG to HNL to LAX, $65 to HNL, $225 to LAX (100-500 size kennel); no breed restrictions to LAX – other mainland locations $375 – $575, airport and breed restrictions apply – utilizing Kamaka Air and Pacific Air Cargo – crates and health certificate exams discounted 30%
Tails of Hawaii – 808-676-9663 option 3 – tailmovers@tailsofhawaii.com – Exotic & pocket pets, potbelly pigs, cats and dogs, birds, NO fish – may offer discount for moves on case-by-case basis, submit request to tailmovers@tailsofhawaii.com – offering discount on health certificate issuance in HNL for those impacted by Maui wildfires
REMINDERS FOR VETS Category I Accredited Veterinarians authorized through our National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) are NOT able to issue health certificates for pet birds or pet pot-bellied pigs. Those animals would need to be examined by a Category II Accredited Veterinarian. If AV’s have more questions as to which Category they are authorized, to please refer to the following website and feel free to reach out to the local NVAP Coordinator: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/nvap/ct_category1-2
For pets going to the mainland US, please issue a rabies vaccine certificate.
We wanted to alert our membership that canine influenza (H3N2) was detected on Oahu in four dogs from three families at two separate clinics. All affected dogs had been recently boarded at a single facility. Canine influenza virus can cause respiratory disease in dogs that can resemble kennel cough. Less commonly, more severe illness can be observed, especially in dogs that have an underlying health condition.
At this time, there does not seem to be any known spread to other dogs in the local community. Transmission of H3N2 canine influenza virus from dogs to cats has been reported in other outbreaks. To date, there is no evidence that transmission to humans can occur.
Veterinary clinics should take precautions to avoid transmission of the virus between dogs. The AVMA recommends that dogs with clinical signs suggestive of respiratory disease be separated from other dogs. This includes the waiting area, facility entrance/exit, examination/treatment area, and hospitalization ward. Personnel should wear personal protective equipment and disinfect the facility and potential fomites with an appropriate disinfectant. Many commonly used disinfectants are effective against influenza viruses. The EPA maintains a list of products that are registered for use against influenza viruses.
The best test to diagnose acute clinical infections is the PCR test on deep nasal (preferred) or pharyngeal swabs. Viral shedding peaks early in the infection, so the test is of highest value within the first 1-2 days of the onset of clinical signs. Avoid using cotton-tipped wood shaft swabs for sample collection because those materials may inhibit the PCR reaction. Please check with the laboratory ahead of time for their preferred storage tubes; in general, avoid using tubes with additives or gel media.
If you know of any confirmed cases, please contact Hawaii Department of Agriculture at hdoa.vls@hawaii.gov. HVMA leadership is monitoring the situation and can be reached at: public_relations@hawaiivetmed.org. There is also a private Facebook page for HVMA members (veterinarians only) and a specific chat thread to discuss this topic. The Center for Food Security and Public Health has an excellent review of canine influenza. The AVMA and the CDC also have good information available on their websites.
The Drug Enforcement Administration sent out a warning regarding a widespread fraud scheme where criminals are posing as DEA agents. Scammers are calling doctors and other medical professionals demanding money, and threatening jail and revocation of medical licenses.
DEA personnel will never contact members of the public or medical practitioners to demand money or any other form of payment, will never request personal or sensitive information, and will only notify people of a legitimate investigation or legal action in person or by official letter. No legitimate federal law enforcement officer will demand cash or gift cards from a member of the public.
Don’t become the victim of a scam. Learn more about how to protect yourself and report fraud here.
Remember that disaster response is a marathon, not a sprint. Here is an update communicated to us by the team working under Maui Humane Society (MHS).
Due to the severity of the fire and limited access following the event due to safety concerns, there were not nearly the amount of burn survivors as was anticipated. Most likely, those that could be saved have already been rescued, though the field teams are still looking. Thankfully many people were able to evacuate with their pets.
The next phase will include long term community outreach for those who are now living in Lahaina, Napili, and Kapalua, as they no longer have vets on the west side of the island. MHS is leading this effort. They and other nonprofit organizations will have mobile units in West Maui starting tomorrow that will need to be staffed. There won’t be a need for many trained vet professionals all at once, but more likely over a long period of time. We will be helping MHS coordinate the pool of volunteers.
If you are interested, please fill out this online form with your interest/availability in longer term volunteer efforts.
There have been many, many hours of meetings attended by HVMA leadership, Dr. Aleisha Swartz (primary HVMA liaison to HiEMA/ State Emergency Support Functions), Dr. Nate Lam (volunteer), MHS staff, all government agencies (county, state, fed) and non-governmental organizations (e.g. American Red Cross, ASPCA). We are doing our best to identify needs and respond appropriately in a rapidly changing and challenging situation. The right people are getting in place for the long term plan. Emergency management meetings are discussing the following considerations: getting feed & water to livestock whose pasture has burnt, disease management from decomposition, marine pollution, trapping feral/strays when they re-emerge, short and long term sheltering and feeding of displaced people and pets, keeping families together with pets, veterinary needs, etc.
HVMA’s role in this emergency currently is supportive to governmental agencies and organizations like MHS that are acting under the emergency declaration. We are making every effort to coordinate volunteers, gather information on needs, and share information on resources and identify information and needs gaps. We are also coordinating support offered from national organizations such as AVMF. Most of our time and work is remote and we may need remote volunteer support for this as well, as the board is all volunteering their time to coordinate this effort.
A call to action- if your HVMA membership is not current please RENEW today! The more members we have, the stronger we are in times like this, and the more resources we have to support these efforts.
We hope this helps with some of the questions and anticipation out there. Thanks again for all your care, concern, kokua, and patience! We are proud to be a part of the HVMA and the Hawaii vet community. Let’s continue to make our community stronger!
October 8, 2023 – The Maui Humane Society continues to coordinate ongoing relief efforts to the people and animals impacted by the Maui Wildfires. Thank you to all those who have already volunteered your time and finances to support these efforts. There is still a need for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/assistants, so please sign up for volunteer shifts here.
Additionally, the HVMA has received a grant from the AVMF to provide reimbursements for airfare for volunteers traveling inter-island to assist the Maui Humane Society. To qualify for this reimbursement, you will need to sign up for your volunteer shift(s) through HVMA and submit your airfare receipts to us. Reimbursement will be made by check after your shift(s) are completed and you have submitted at least 2 pictures taken during your shift(s) for use by AVMF.
August 27, 2023 – The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association would like to thank Adjutant General Kenneth Hara and Brigadier General Steve Logan with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for their efforts working with MEMA (Maui Emergency Management Agency) and Maui Humane Society to help Animal Search and Rescue teams gain access to previously restricted areas on Saturday August 26th. We acknowledge that efforts to search for pet animal survivors are necessarily secondary to ensuring the safety of personnel entering the burn zone and safely securing human remains.
It is important to clarify that steps to provide for animal survivors in the burn zone were taken even when Animal Search & Rescue teams were not allowed access. A FEMA veterinarian has been stationed in the burn zone supporting the canine search teams, and she oversees the delivery of any animals found alive by first responders to the Maui Humane Society for medical care. Food and water were left in various areas throughout the burn zone for any other animals that were hiding from the response teams.
We encourage all who want to provide care to animals in this or future disasters to complete the free FEMA training (ICS 100/200 & IS 700/800) and Community Emergency Response training so they can understand how to best participate in response situations and help their communities.
Our hearts go out to the people and animals affected by the fires on Maui and Big Island. In addition to government efforts, the Maui Humane Society, HVMA, and local vets are organizing the veterinary emergency response.
We are so grateful for the mass outpouring of support to the Maui community. Veterinary professional volunteers are needed to assist Maui Humane Society efforts to serve the people and animals affected by the wildfires. Please sign up here if you are interested, and we will contact you as shifts become available.
Help foster a pet! Home to home is helping connect people in need looking for temporary housing for their pet while they are displaced from their homes.
Maui Humane Society has reported they may have a need for feed for large animals including horses, cattle, goats, and pigs. If you are interested in donating any large animal feed or supplies, please contact public_relations@hawaiivetmed.org. For cattle feed/supply donations, please contact the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council.
There are AVMF disaster grants that may be of help to some members.
Disaster reimbursement grants for veterinary medical care, up to $5,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by veterinarians providing emergency veterinary medical care to animal victims of disasters.
Disaster relief grants for veterinarians & veterinary students, up to $2,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred immediately following a disaster. Copies of receipts or other approved documentation must be submitted along with the application form.
AVMA has several resources on disaster preparation, including:
Xylazine is an important animal sedative used to facilitate the safe handling and treatment of many species. Recently, illicit xylazine is increasingly showing up in street drugs as traffickers have begun mixing xylazine with fentanyl and other narcotics. Collaborative efforts among congressional offices, the AVMA, stakeholders, and federal agencies to address the complexities of the xylazine issue led to the introduction of the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (H.R. 1839/S. 993) – an AVMA-supported, bipartisan bill that would provide harsher penalties for trafficking illicit xylazine while maintaining current veterinary access to this important animal sedative. Please join the veterinary community and urge your members of Congress to support the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act through the AVMA’s Congressional Advocacy Network.
APEX, NC —The American Heartworm Society (AHS) is urging veterinarians to participate in the 2022 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey.
The AHS maps, dating back to 2001, are generated every three years and are widely used by veterinarians, animal shelters, animal rescue organizations and media to educate the pet-owning public about the threat of heartworm disease. The maps, which are built using data submitted by thousands of veterinary practices and animal shelters, also provide vital insights for veterinary professionals about trends in heartworm incidence and the spread of heartworms into new areas of the country.
“Each veterinary practice that submits data enables the AHS to create a more comprehensive and useful map,” states AHS President Jenni Rizzo, DVM. “We urge every practice—large or small—to take a few short minutes to submit their information.”
The deadline to submit survey data on heartwormsociety.org/2022survey is March 15, 2023. The new 2022 AHS map will be made available in April as part of Heartworm Awareness Month.
The HVMA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM is still looking for mentees and mentors who are interested in connecting with the Hawaii veterinary community! The program is aimed to provide guidance for mentees who are recent graduate veterinarians who graduated from 2018 to 2023 while building strong, long-lasting relationships among the veterinarians in Hawaii. Mentors have the opportunity to provide knowledge, skills, and experience to recent graduate veterinarians on various topics! Interested in being a part of the HVMA Mentorship program? We’d love for you to join us!
In addition, the HVMA Mentorship program has collaborated with “MentorVet”, which is a five-month, 5-10 CE RACE virtual mentorship and professional development program that promotes wellbeing in the transition to practice with a combination of training in professional skills, financial and mental health coaching, and mentorship. HVMA members who are part of the HVMA mentorship are eligible for a DISCOUNTED registration for the MentorVet program. Want to learn more about “MentorVet”? Reach out to Addie Reinhard at addie@mentorvet.net or visit https://www.mentorvet.net/.
While there are several species of marine turtles that can be found in Hawai’i , the most common is the honu, or the Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Basking, or resting on the beach or at the water surface, is a behavior unique to this species in Hawai’i that is thought to have a thermoregulatory function. The green sea turtles that are found in Hawai’i are currently listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The good news is that this population is showing some signs of improvement, and nesting is increasing at 3-5% per year. There is a lot that the species still has to contend with in order to be recovered, especially with sea level rise and storms affecting their low-lying nesting grounds: 96% of the population nests at one location, Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) which is located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Other threats to our honu include fisheries interactions, disease, and boat strikes. When turtles and fisheries interact, it is often the line, not the hook, that is most dangerous for the turtle: the line can cause strangulating injuries to the flippers and line ingestion can lead to GI obstruction. Prevention is always best, so if you enjoy fishing, please dispose of your line properly to keep it out of the marine environment and pick up discarded line anytime you see it. NOAA Fisheries’ FAST (Fishing Around Seals and Turtles) guidelines also say that if you accidentally hook a sea turtle, it is okay to reel it in, cut the line as close to the hook as possible, and release the turtle – IF you feel safe doing so.
As veterinarians, you can also help sea turtles by being knowledgeable about what to do if you are contacted or come across wild turtles that are in trouble. First, pause before taking any immediate veterinary action. Dead turtles or those that are entangled, hooked, injured, or appear sick, should be immediately reported to the Hawaiʻi statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840. Call this number and wait for a return call for further guidance. If you observe illegal activity, such as harassment or illegal fishing/gear, send photos or video (including contact information of the suspected perpetrators) to RespectWildlife@noaa.gov and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (the DLNRTip app is a rapid and effective way of filing such reports, or you can contact DLNR at (808) 643-DLNR).
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