Minnesota Veterinary Reserve Corps(MVRC)

Who can join the MVRC?

The Corps is one part of a team of organizations in Minnesota that are preparing to respond to animal disease emergencies, bioterrorism and natural disasters. The Corps is made up of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and students currently enrolled in any of these programs.

What is the function of the MVRC?

Members of the Corps assist in responding to various large-scale emergencies involving animals, that overwhelm the local ability to respond. For example, the Corps may be called to respond to infectious disease outbreaks; in this case, members would be temporarily employed by the State of Minnesota and be paid for their time, transportation and housing while responding. Members will be paid to attend training sessions to recognize and report suspect Foreign Animal Diseases and to prepare for emergency response.

In addition to animal disease outbreaks, the Corps may have the opportunity to voluntarily respond to environmental disasters such as floods, fires, tornados and blizzards or other disasters such as radiological contamination or chemical spills.

Members may assist with animal care and treatment, evacuation, vaccination, specimen collection, decontamination, euthanasia, necropsy, collecting epidemiological information, supervisory or office support, or they may even be called to work in a practice to temporarily replace someone else who has gone to assist in the emergency.

Where would I respond?

The Corps will be activated for emergencies within Minnesota only. If you wish, when you join the MVRC you can also be registered with the National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps (NAHERC). This is the federal counterpart of the MVRC. If you choose to respond to an emergency call from NAHERC, you become a temporary Federal employee and may be deployed to other states or nations (for example, the NAHERC invited people to help with the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the United Kingdom). NAHERC pays for the work you do as well as your housing and transportation costs.

When would I respond to an emergency?

Your participation in any emergency is strictly voluntary. Successful recovery from any large scale disaster depends upon a rapid response. The Corps was created to make it possible for Minnesota to respond quickly in an emergency involving animals, by identifying people willing to help and keeping their contact information up to date. If you agree to assist with an animal disease outbreak, you will be temporarily hired by the State of Minnesota.

Why should I join?

This is a unique opportunity to gain a different perspective and experience in veterinary medicine. Minnesota needs your help to deal effectively with a large scale animal emergency. The experience you will gain from being a Corps member will do more than keep you at the forefront of the latest animal emergency information, it will give you training, knowledge, and experiences not available anywhere else.

How do I join?

For information and an application, contact the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association by phone at 651-645-7533 or email at coordinator.mvrc@gmail.com.