Flood tips for Texas ranchers: Protect livestock before and after
AgriLife Extension disaster specialists share steps to protect cattle, document losses and find aid
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With the potential for rising rivers and flooding in parts of the state, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Disaster Assessment and Recovery, DAR, specialists are offering guidance to help ranchers and livestock owners prepare for high water and recover once it recedes.
Floodwaters can injure or displace animals, contaminate feed and water, damage fences and gates, and leave hazards hidden in pastures. DAR’s recommendations span the full event — from planning ahead of a flood to caring for livestock, documenting losses and finding assistance afterward.
“Our Disaster Assessment and Recovery specialists are ready to quickly respond to any immediate needs,” said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., DAR program director, Bryan-College Station.
Once waters recede, Bryan Davis, DAR South Region chief, Seguin, said livestock owners should move quickly to check animals for injury and illness, watch for longer-term health problems and document every loss.
Plan ahead before floodwaters rise
Protecting livestock from floods and other natural disasters is essential to keeping farming and ranching operations running, Dozier said. Contingency plans put in place before an emergency can help limit losses of both animals and income.
Producers should move equipment and livestock to higher ground, while also paying attention to storage of hay in low-lying areas to prevent damage or total loss.
Check cattle for injury after flooding
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When it is safe, check the condition of any animals exposed to high water.
“It is best to move them out of flooded areas and into dry or covered areas, if possible, then check them for injury and render any necessary first aid as able until a veterinarian can be found,” Davis said.
If an animal is injured:
- Clean the wound.
- Dress it with an antibiotic.
- Cover it with a bandage.
- Call your veterinarian.
“Contact your vet and provide a full description of the injury, so your vet can prioritize the treatment of your animal,” Davis said.
Photograph and document losses before cleanup
Before cleanup begins, take dated photos or video of all losses, including livestock, equipment, machinery, agricultural structures, fences and water wells. These images serve as proof of loss for assistance programs.
“It’s advised for landowners to take photos of any deceased livestock before burial or disposal,” Davis said.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides carcass disposal guidelines.
Clear pasture hazards and repair fences
After a flood, Dozier said producers should:
- Inventory the herd and identify missing animals.
- Remove debris and other dangerous objects from pastures.
- Repair damaged fences and gates quickly.
Clearing debris protects more than livestock, he said.
“It protects farm workers and machinery from being injured or damaged when mowing pastures that have grown over and hidden these objects,” Dozier said.
Also watch for:
- Contaminated feed and water, including standing or stagnant water.
- Sick, diseased or displaced animals.
- Eroded or unstable creek beds.
Ease animals back onto feed
Animals that have gone a day or more without eating should get a small amount of feed over the first few days, Davis said, then a gradually larger ration over the course of a week.
He also recommends providing hay until pastures can be inspected for hazards and forage has time to recover.
Watch for pneumonia, foot rot and pests
Check animals for signs of illness, especially respiratory disorders like pneumonia.
“Coughing, hard breathing or non-clear mucus running from the nose could be indicators,” Davis said. “Later you might notice crusty eyes and a lowered head. You’ll want to separate these animals and get them treatment as soon as possible.”
Extended exposure to wet conditions brings other risks. Foot rot and leptospirosis are common problems in cattle after flooding and can also follow extended rainfall, Davis said.
Biting pests are another long-term concern, especially in low-lying areas.
“It’s important to make sure all livestock vaccinations are current and to apply insect repellents to protect livestock from what will likely be increased mosquito and fly populations,” Davis said.
Report missing or stray cattle
Report stranded, stray or missing cattle to the county sheriff’s office or your local AgriLife Extension county agent. Authorities will help gather the animals and use brand identification to find the owner.
Report damage to state officials
The Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, iSTAT, collects damage surveys that help state officials assess damage and identify resource needs.
Apply for federal and state disaster aid
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program, LIP, provides payments to eligible livestock owners for animals that die because of eligible adverse weather, including floods. It can also help owners who must sell injured livestock at a reduced price.
Record the number and kind of livestock lost, and back that up with as many of these as possible:
- Dated photographs or video.
- Purchase, veterinary and production records.
- Bank or other loan documents.
- Written contracts, tax records and private insurance documents.
- Rendering truck receipts or certificates.
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, STAR Fund, also offers resources for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses affected by natural disasters.
Find more flood resources
The Disaster Assessment and Recovery website has more preparedness and recovery information, and local AgriLife Extension county offices can connect producers to resources and/or the help they need.
