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Livestock Should Be Checked After A Storm
6/3/2008
Michael Fisher
Area
Extension Agent (Livestock)
Colorado State University Extension
Golden
Plains Area |
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The past couple of weeks have brought some severe storms to the
area. However, this is not a big surprise. We expect some strong weather this
time of year. When this happens there are a couple of things that many
livestock producers automatically become concerned about.
The first is
lightning. It is reported that between 200 and 300 people are killed in the US
annually as a result of lightning. And people should have the ability to get
inside and protect themselves from a storm. Much of our livestock does not have
that option. Countless animals are hit by lightning every year. This problem is
made worse by the fact that some livestock will stand under a tree or in a
group to protect themselves during a storm. Either of these situations can
amplify the ability of the lightning. In the case of using the tree as
protection, the arboreal shield becomes a conduit to direct the electricity to
the animal(s) below. In the case of livestock grouping, if one animal is struck
the current may flow through multiple animals in the group. A few lightning
struck animals will never show a sign of the strike following the initial
impact. Some may be injured with burns. Most will simply be found dead.
Following a lightning storm, it is important that livestock producers check
their animals. Obviously, you do not want to have any of your herd/flock
suffering so you will want to see if any of them require the attention of a
veterinarian. Additionally, in the case of killed livestock you will want to
discover these quickly. If you have your livestock insured against lightning
strikes there is a possibility that there may be a time limit on how long after
the storm you can report the loss. This can vary between insurance
companies.
Another storm concern of livestock producers is wind related
issues. Most of us have seen the aftermath of a strong wind. Trees can fall,
sheds can collapse, barn doors can be ripped from their hinges, and power lines
can come down. All of these can prove hazardous to animals. Following these
events a livestock owner will once again want to check their livestock to
ensure that they are not suffering from any potential injuries and to take any
inventory of losses for insurance purposes. Additionally, a livestock producer
will want to be wary as to the condition of fences following these wind events.
Make sure no trees have fallen on them that would allow your stock to get out.
This goes for barn doors too. An additional wind concern is the tornado.
Obviously, livestock caught in the direct path of a funnel risk the expected
injuries of being in the vortex. However, the tornado adds to it the hazard of
blowing debris that may potentially reach out miles from the direct path of the
funnel. Flying roofing tin, 2x4's, nails, glass, lawnmowers, etc can cause
injuries ranging from lacerations and infections to dislocations and broken
bones. Not really considered an injury but still another issue that can follow
a storm of this magnitude can be the potential of dark cutters. There appears
to be a potential link between tornadoes and a temporary increase in dark
cutter cattle within that region. Consider this when marketing after a
storm.
Now that I have referred to lightning and wind, which many
livestock producers quickly think about, let me address a meteorological hazard
that many don't necessarily think of being a problem for livestock. That is
hail. Think about the damage that these ice stones can cause to roofs, cars,
and crops when they fall from the sky. If you have ever found yourself outside
during a hail storm, you have probably quickly realized the potential for pain
that hail can cause. Depending on the size of the hail stones, they can cause
bruising, broken bones, and even death. Particularly when they start getting to
the size of baseballs and grapefruit, as was the case in Kit Carson County
yesterday. Another hail concern can be stampede injuries. Livestock do not like
to be in hail and may run wildly to try to get out of it. This can lead to
injuries like broken legs, trampling, or fence lacerations. So once again, the
livestock owner will want to inspect their herd/flock following a hail
storm.
"Small" Hail Stones - Kit Carson
County - Burlington - 6/2/2008
Kit Carson County Storm - Viewed
from Yuma County - 6/2/2008
Kit Carson County Storm - Viewed
from Yuma County - 6/2/2008 |
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
6/3/2008 |
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