Island Updates

AVMA Update – Oct 2023

Are you looking to get more involved in influencing the future of the veterinary profession? AVMA has opportunities for you! Here are some action steps you can take right now:

A wide range of leadership positions are currently available. If you’re interested in volunteering some of your time, visit https://avma.org/volunteer for details.
Registration for the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC) 2024 is now open! Join us January 4-6 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. Whether you are just beginning to explore the possibilities, are already an experienced leader, or anywhere in between, workshops are available to hone your skills and strategies, and you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded people throughout our amazing profession.

As the charitable arm of the AVMA, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) provides veterinarians and veterinary students with charitable resources and programs that advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health. AVMF gave an initial $20,000 to Maui Humane Society and $10,000 to Greater Good to help with wildfire rescue and recovery efforts, and has raised an additional $25,000 which can be allocated as needed. If you were impacted or have incurred out-of-pocket expenses to help on Maui, it’s not too late to apply for support!

Disaster Emergency Veterinary Medical Care Reimbursements are available for veterinarians providing care to animal victims of a disaster. Covered expenses may include medical supplies, medications, diagnostics, and housing for patients. Up to $5000 is available per clinic/AVMA member. You have up to nine months after the disaster to apply.
Individual Disaster Reimbursement Grants for Veterinarians and Veterinary Students can provide up to $2000 for those who were personally impacted, for the purpose of providing for emergency needs, such as food, water, clothing, temporary housing, transportation and other basic necessities.

If you would like to apply for funds, please visit https://avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/disaster-relief

If you would like to contribute to this or other AVMF programs, you can make a tax deductible donation at avmf.org.

With aloha,
Carolyn Naun (she/her)
AVMA HOD Hawaii Delegate

Maui Wildfire Burn Zone Access Granted

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.

Updates on Pet Transport Off Maui

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.

Further VEHCS information and guidance:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/vehcs-info

Canine Influenza Detected in Hawaii

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.

Update on Maui Wildfire Response

August 14, 2023

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!

Your HVMA Board

Maui Wildfire Disaster Response

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.

8/19/2023 Update Meeting Minutes (members only access)

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.

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.

Monetary donations are always welcome. Here are a few of the organizations working on the ground:
https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/donate-olx/
https://hawaii.salvationarmy.org/hawaii_2/maui-location/
https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii.html
AVMA American Veterinary Medical Fund
https://www.hirangelandstewardship.org/

If you would like to support our veterinary colleagues who lost their practices in the fire:
Dr. Leo Murakami, Lahaina Veterinary Clinic
West Maui Animal Clinic

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.

Updates on Pet Transport Off Maui

Please join our Facebook page for the most up to date communication among the vet community (Hawaii vets only but HVMA membership not required)

Contact HVMA if you have other questions, concerns, or suggestions at public_relations@hawaiivetmed.org.

Additional information from our AVMA colleagues:

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:

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Business Continuity Certificate Program

Veterinary First Responder Certificate Program

Last updated October 8, 2023