Maintain Livestock Health and Safety After a Flood Agri-View: Livestock News

Now that flooding has occurred in much of southern Wisconsin, producers need to maintain livestock health through this disaster period to the best of their ability.

Extra care is needed for livestock, especially if the animals have been stranded and off a regular feed regimen. Disease control and sanitation are crucial first steps in sustaining herd or flock health, according to NDSU Extension.

Buildings should be cleaned as soon as possible and debris should be cleared in pastures, fields and any areas livestock have access.

It is imperative producers observe animals closely for signs of flood-related disease including: lameness, fever, difficulty breathing, muscle contractions, or swelling of shoulder, chest, back, neck or throat. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms are found.

Disease control

Floods can be a source of infectious diseases in livestock. Observe and inspect animals frequently and leisurely, especially in larger herds and flocks.

Where large numbers of animals are assembled, watch for any indication of infectious diseases such as pneumonia, foot rot or leptospirosis.

These diseases are likely to occur where animals are crowded on wet ground and insects such as horn flies and houseflies are abundant.

Producers should report any sign of disease to a local, state or federal veterinarian.

Producers should contact a vet about vaccinating animals from flood-related diseases including anthrax, blackleg and swine erysipelas.

Feed and water guidelines

It is critical to provide fresh, clean water for livestock. If in an enclosed area, livestock will try to find water by attempting or succeeding at breaking out of pens, fenced in areas and even buildings.

When grain storage bins have been flooded, the stored grain is damaged, said Charles Schwab, Iowa State University Extension professor, ag and biosystems engineering said in a press release from Iowa State Extension. The grain has been soaked by the floodwater and, in some cases, the bins have burst.

Dan Loy, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist, said producers have three alternatives for using the grain.

Producers can dry the grain, feed it immediately to their livestock, or perhaps ensile the grain for livestock feed. The wet grain can be fed to cattle or hogs.

"There is no problem, other than spoilage within three to five days, with using wet corn as a livestock feed. Just replace the corn in the animals' current diet with the wet corn," Loy said. "Remember to adjust amounts fed for moisture."

Wet, whole soybeans can be fed to cattle if the soybeans are limited to 10 to 12 percent of the ration's dry matter.

"Soybeans substitute well for the protein in soybean meal, but they need to be fed with a vitamin-mineral-additive premix if substituted for a complete protein supplement. It is not necessary to heat-treat the soybeans for cattle," Loy said. "Also, if adding whole soybeans to diets high in distillers' grains, watch the total ration fat content."

For hogs, raw soybeans can only be fed to mature sows, Loy said. The soybeans need to be heat treated if fed to younger pigs.

Producers need to decide what to do with the grain quickly because wet grain will spoil in a few days, according to Schwab. When corn re-wets by 2 to 3 percent, it expands, which creates seven times more pressure on the bin, causing the bin to break. Just trying to remove the wet grain from the bins can be a problem for producers.

"Grain unloading augers may not work because the grain has expanded and does not flow properly. One alternative is to lease or rent a pneumatic conveyor to remove the grain from the top of the bin. The pneumatic conveyor works similar to a vacuum cleaner by sucking up the grain," Schwab said. "Exercise caution when using a pneumatic conveyor in a bin. If the grain is removed too rapidly, you may be sucked into the grain and suffocation may result."

Wherever possible, separate the wet grain from the dry grain, which is easily done with a pneumatic conveyor. The wet grain will spoil within a week of getting wet if not taken care of promptly, Schwab said.

The moisture won't travel more than a few inches above the floodline in the corn bin. The dry corn should be re-stored, and the wet corn should be dried or treated with an organic acid as soon as possible after the water recedes, and re-stored or sold.

If no drying equipment is available, producers could spread out the flood-damaged grain on a concrete slab or feeding floor or on the ground. It will at least partially dry. Feed or sell it as soon as possible.

Pasture

Standing water may have ruined some pastures. Lack of adequate forage could force animals to eat poisonous plants.

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.

Buildings and sanitation

When a building has been submerged or partly submerged the electrical system and water system have likely been compromised, according to Jay Harmon, Iowa State University Department of agricultural and biosystems engineering.

Of course the electrical system is the most immediate safety concern because of the implication of electrocution.

Care should be taken to be sure all systems are not energized. All electrical panels and wiring will need to be opened and thoroughly dried. Wiring and connections will need to be checked for corrosion and loose fittings. Any elements showing corrosion should be replaced if not easily cleaned. Open all conduits to drain water. Outlets and switches that cannot be cleaned or checked for corrosion should be replaced. Motors will likely need to be disassembled and should be checked by a qualified electrician.

Water systems, including pumps and treatment systems should be checked and thoroughly purged with sanitary water, especially before using for human consumption. Check pressure tanks and any electrical components. Examine other components such as propane regulators, tanks and lines. Tanks may have floated, compromising the system integrity.

Service issues include thoroughly checking every component including fans, heaters, controllers and lighting. Deep pit swine buildings will likely need to have the pit pumped before the building can be put into service. Wet feed should be removed from all bins and feed lines. Wet feed can be very corrosive. Feed bins may have to be repositioned if they have been moved by rising water. Service roads also will need to be repaired to make them capable of handling farm service traffic.

To reduce the chances that the building life is not unduly shortened by continuing flood issues, do such things as removing interior wall coverings to dry walls thoroughly. This will prevent further wood and fastener deterioration. Rigid board insulation may be reused but fiberglass and cellulose insulation that has become wet loses its insulation properties. A thorough inspection of building integrity, including foundation anchors, should be conducted. Clean all moldy and mildewy surfaces to prevent potential health effects on animals and workers.

Before undertaking any repair work, check with your insurer for the necessary documentation for proof of loss. Company requirements may vary.

Buildings should be sanitized before housing any livestock. Clean out hog houses, barns and chicken houses. Spray buildings with a good disinfectant before animals occupy them again. Air buildings thoroughly to dry them out.

Remove debris from dairy barns. Scrub and disinfect walls, ceilings, floors, stanchions and other equipment.

Dispose of animal carcasses promptly. If there is no rendering company operating nearby, burn or bury carcasses deeply in a place approved by your local soil conservation office.

Insect issues

Insects may invade the area after a flood as damp areas and standing water serve as a breeding ground.

The insects not only annoy animals, but can serve as a disease vector because insects may carry disease. Spray animals with an insect repellent as recommended by your vet.