Commentary
We should appreciate the people working to secure lives and property in Texas following the rampant flooding of the Guadalope River.
Opportunists may use events like this to advance agendas on global warming or budget cuts. Instead, we were moved to consider the cumulative effect of disasters and the resulting economic burdens on the individuals and businesses we support as animal health pros. The costs associated with recovery and rebuilding personal and business infrastructures are significant in areas hit by disasters. Spending on animal wellness and prevention naturally weakens during these periods.
Individually, each disaster is locally devastating to economies. But when viewed in the collective, the pressure on elective spending is palpable. These facts help quantify the disaster burdens and surprising frequency in disaster timelines.
- In 2024, U.S. citizens experienced one new major disaster declaration every four days on average. FEMA declared 90 major disasters, a near record number of climate-related disasters; nearly double the annual average <Link>.
- Year to date in 2025, FEMA has classified 27 events as major disasters <Link>.
- Drought conditions were not included in the analysis.
So, where is the call to action? Disaster plan preparations for businesses, as well as individuals having plans for moving their animals to safe locations, are obvious. Flood waters are dangerous from a public and animal health perspective so, a) access to clean water is critical, b) keeping preventative vaccinations current is important, for example leptospirosis, c) optimizing microchipping* and updating chip registrations help with recovery of lost animals, and d) having emergency boarding spaces for lost pets available.
Source: Intense downpours like those in Texas are more frequent, but there’s no telling where they’ll happen, AP, July 8, 2025. Link. It’s not just Texas and North Carolina. Intense rain is falling more frequently in many areas of the U.S.; though where it occurs and whether it causes catastrophic flooding is largely a matter of chance, according to experts.
Also see:
- Flash flooding in New Mexico mountains, AP, July 9, 2025. Link.
- 3 possible deaths from Chantal in NC, AP, July 8, 2025. Link.
*Related: Pet microchipping FAQ, AAHA, June 20, 2024. Link.
Image: Link.