Pastureland
- Standing water may have ruined some pastures.
- Lack of adequate forage could force animals to eat poisonous plants which are abundant in some parts of the country.
- Remove fallen wild cherry limbs from pastures to prevent livestock poisoning.
- Before restocking flooded pastures, remove debris, especially along fence lines and in corners. Livestock could be injured from pieces of barbed wire, sharp metal and trash.
Feed and Water
- Provide clean, uncontaminated water.
- Inspect feeds such as corn, wheat and hay.
- Damaged grains and moldy hay may cause digestive disturbances.
- Horses, sheep, poultry, swine and cattle are affected most severely (in that order) by damaged feed.
- Do not force livestock to eat silage that has been flooded, even though its appearance may be unchanged.
- Do not feed any feed or forage that may have been contaminated by chemicals or pesticides.
Disease Control
- Following a flood there may be danger of infectious diseases in livestock, but unless serious outbreaks of infection have occurred recently there is no need to be alarmed. Observe these precautions:
- Where large numbers of animals assemble, watch for any sign of infectious diseases such as pneumonia, foot rot or leptospirosis.
- These diseases are more likely to occur where cattle are crowded on wet ground and where horn flies and houseflies are abundant.
- If possible, an experienced stockman under the supervision of a veterinarian should handle and feed the animals.
- Promptly report any sign of disease to the nearest veterinarian or County Extension Agent.
- Contact a veterinarian about vaccinating animals for immunity from flood-related diseases such as anthrax, lepto, blackleg and swine erysipelas.
- Where large numbers of animals assemble, watch for any sign of infectious diseases such as pneumonia, foot rot or leptospirosis.
Excerpt from UF/IFAS Disaster Handbook