Veterinary response to non-epidemic disasters: the experience of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale" after the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila, Italy.

Abstract

Event history: A moment magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Central Italy on 6 April 2009, causing widespread damage to the city of L'Aquila and nearby villages in the Abruzzo region, affecting the resident population and their livestock and companion animals. Approximately 67,000 people were forced to leave their homes, in many cases with their animals, around 40,000 of whom were temporarily housed in tent camps.

Response: A veterinary crisis unit (Veterinary Action), coordinated by the Director of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "Giuseppe Caporale" (Teramo, Italy), Operational Structure of the National Civil Protection Service, was immediately activated to restore and strengthen the local capacity to manage animal health and welfare issues, protect public health and mitigate food safety risks in the affected area. A surveillance system was promptly implemented to assess the situation by gathering in-field information, and to identify and address urgent needs, plan and coordinate interventions, and quickly mobilise the necessary resources. Veterinarians and public health operators, private practitioners, volunteers, animal owners and ordinary citizens operated in concert with the Department of Civil Protection to evacuate, secure, treat and assist animals affected by the disaster and to ensure adherence to food safety protocols in the reception areas for displaced people. A dedicated information network facilitated the coordination of various types of responders and the optimal use of material resources and professional services.

Relevance: This article is the result of a multidisciplinary effort to collect, describe and analyse how veterinary public health interventions were planned, organised and carried out to mitigate the impact of the most devastating earthquake in central Italy in the last 40 years. This detailed and comprehensive report provides specific real-life examples and recommendations to plan timely and efficient interventions whilst maintaining the highest standards of animal health, welfare, and food safety in the case of catastrophic events. By capturing insights from those involved, readers will benefit from the knowledge generated and lessons learned to strengthen the capacities of veterinary services to respond to future non-epidemic emergencies.

Abbreviations: DCP: Department of Civil Protection; DI.COMA.C: Directorate of Command and Control; IUVENE: National Reference Centre for Urban Hygiene and Non-Epidemic Emergencies; IIZZSS: Istituti Zooprofilattici Sperimentali; IZSAM: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale"; LHU/AUSL: Local Health Unit; LVS: Local Veterinary Services; Mw: Moment magnitude; NAS: Carabinieri Command for Health Protection; NCPS: National Civil Protection Service; NGO: Non-governmental organisation; WOAH: World Organisation for Animal Health; VA: "Veterinary Action" crisis unit.