Hurricane Florence Update From NCDA&CS (9/13/18)

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This newsletter contains important information from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division in regards to Hurricane Florence. Please share this newsletter with others as appropriate. To subscribe to this newsletter, please send an email to the Veterinary Division’s general email account, Joe.Web@ncagr.gov.

Emergency Management Weather Tracking

Although Florence is now a Category 2 storm, the impact will be no less significant. Landfall of the storm will occur near Wilmington in the early hours of Friday morning. Many areas of the coast have or will begin experiencing rain and heavy wind within the hour. If you are watching the storm, please keep in mind the projected path is based on the center of the storm and is not a true representation of the impact or effects. It is currently over 300 miles wide – to give perspective that is the distance from Raleigh to the Tennessee border by way of I-40. Excessive rainfall of 6+ inches are expected in many areas of the state. For areas that are in the direct path of the storm, 20+ inches are forecast – and in very select areas as much as 40 inches could happen.

While the exact track of the storm is unknown after landfall, there is increased confidence that the storm path will hug the NC/SC border. However, this does not diminish the potential impact that we will experience statewide. The central portion of the state could witness rain through Sunday and the mountains through Monday. The western part of the state will begin to experience gusty winds early Sunday morning.

Please stay tuned to your local forecasts and use these links for important storm information:

Hurricane Florence_River Flood Outlook_9-13-18

N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Emergency Hotline
For emergencies, please call the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services emergency hotline at 866-645-9403.

Hurricane Florence Update Equine Evacuations

Due to the change in path of Hurricane Florence, the Hunt Horse Complex at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh is opening as an equine evacuation site until safe for evacuated horses to be returned to their farms or September 24, 2018, when it’s closed to prepare for the N.C. State Fair Horse Shows.

The complex will be accepting reservations for horses by telephone. Stalls may be reserved by calling the Hunt Horse Complex Public Safety team at 919-612-6767.

PLEASE call ahead to determine space availability before arriving. The Hunt Horse Complex will be offering housing ONLY. Owners will need to bring all provisions for their animals.

Reduced pricing structure per stall: 1 day – $17, 2 days – $20, 3 days – $23, 4 days – $26, 5 days – $29, and $3 per additional day per stall thereafter. See the Facility Use Agreement/Liability Waiver Form that is required for each owner.

Please enter the Hunt Horse Complex off Youth Center Drive to expedite stalling.

The Sen. Bob Martin Ag Center in Williamston is open as an equine evacuation site until 5 p.m. The cost is $10 per horse and $5.50 per bag of shavings with a minimum of two bags.

Call 252-792-5802 for more information. Check-in is at barns E and F and you must have proof of negative Coggins.

Health Certificates Waived for Hurricane Evacuation Animals
Several states including North Carolina have waived some interstate movement requirements for animals being evacuated from hurricane-affected states. These states are temporarily suspending ICVI (health certificate) requirements for the interstate movement of animals and Coggins tests for horses. Click on the link for each state for exceptions and details of hurricane evacuated animals entering that state.
Mass Animal Mortality Management Plan
The Mass Animal Mortality Management Plan for catastrophic natural disasters was developed by the state before Hurricane Matthew. NCDA&CS has reviewed and recommended the plan for mass animal mortality. Click on the links below for guidance on composting mass animal mortality.
A list of the county landfills indicating which animal species are accepted and landfill contact information can be found using the link below.
NCDA&CS Veterinary Division’s Livestock Unit
The livestock unit has four regions throughout the state. Attached is the regional map with a list of the Veterinary Medical Officers and Animal Health Technicians and their contact information.
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