The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) sent this update on Friday, Sept. 19:

A TAHC assessment team has nearly completed the Galveston Island large animal assessment. Fresh water supplies are being supplied for rescued and stabled animals. The Texas Department of State Health Services has declared the island unsafe and has advised citizens to leave and avoid returning until basic resources and services are restored.

The TAHC’s livestock carcass assessments were conducted initially in neighborhoods and in municipalities, but they were expanded to include the entire impact area. Reliable numbers of dead or stranded livestock are not yet available, as additional carcasses and animals are detected as the water recedes and roads are cleared in the hard-hit counties along the coast, allowing access to remote areas.

A team of TAHC and USDA Veterinary Service field staff continues to work in the Chambers, Jefferson, and Orange Counties area and has short-term, but greatly appreciated assistance from Florida’s State Animal Response Team, and a response team from New Mexico. In addition to working with the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Agrilife Extension Service and producer organizations to acquire and distribute hay, feed, water and essential equipment for livestock survival, the TAHC’s multistate team continues livestock assessment by air boats, swamp buggies, and by air and truck. The team is serving as a liaison among producers and local and state emergency officials. The TAHC also is coordinating carcass disposal with the National Resources Conservation Services (USDA-NRCS) and other entities