Joseph: Watch Livestock During Summer Heat

With temperatures expected to top out into the triple digits this weekend, the Washington state Veterinarian is reminding livestock owners to be proactive and check on their animals with regularity. Dr. Brian Joseph said there are several warning signs to watch for, especially in animals that have dark coats, or are very heavy, such as cattle ready to be harvested.

“They’ll be panting, they’ll look uncomfortable, they might have decreased activity and act very lethargic and decreased food intake is another one," Joseph noted. "Now, if you’re talking about a lactating animal, they’ll have decreased lactation, decreased milk production, the calves won’t be getting as much to eat, cows won’t be growing as fast.  So there’s a lot of things, a lot of implications, other than its just a really, really hot time.”

Joseph says when temperatures get into the 90s and higher, it’s important to provide fresh water, shade, and if you can fans or misters to help your livestock stay cool. He added a good rule of thumb is if you’re struggling to cope with the heat, your animal are most likely struggling as well.

Joseph added producers need to plan now not only for hot temperatures this summer, but in summers yet to come.

“Plan ahead, don’t wait until it’s on top of you.  And maybe this year you won’t be able to handle it, maybe this year is going to overwhelm some people, but plan for the future.  Don’t think this is the only time it’s going to happen in 100 years or 1,000 years.”

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