Preparing your livestock for a disaster
Houston (FOX26) - What livestock to evacuate is something one should give a lot of consideration. Hurricane Ike in 2008 delivered a storm surge that traveled inland approximately 14 miles, impacting 20,000 head of cattle, and killing 4,000 to 5,000 head of adult cows - an economic impact of $14,000,000.
Animals located on lands prone to flooding and storm surge should most definitely be evacuated. If you have friends or family who have a place to board your livestock, that is your best choice.
Public shelters are temporary, lasting maybe a couple of days. Shelters for high value livestock are available throughout the state, but contact information on those sites isn’t released until 120 to 72 hours before a storm makes landfall. A list of livestock shelters is also available to the public during evacuation by dialing 2-1-1.
Keep in mind that public shelters provide only shelter and water. Feed and hay are the owners’ responsibility Public shelters require all equine to have current vaccinations and Coggins test paperwork. When on the road with vehicles hauling livestock in a hurricane evacuation of any size, animals should be evacuated no less than 72 hours before a storm makes landfall. However, “evacuating” doesn’t necessarily mean moving livestock (goats, sheep, cattle, horses, etc.) out of the county. Many times livestock can simply be evacuated to higher elevations and out of flood plains. Never stall horses in barns during a hurricane. Whether livestock are moved to safer grounds within the county, or if they’re evacuated out of the county, there are things to consider in either scenario. After the storm passes, there may not be fences, water, etc. for your livestock once you return home. When evacuating it’s best to plan for long term, rather than a couple of days.
Supplies - Prepare early for hurricane season by creating a “Disaster Kit.” Keep your kit well stocked and in an easy to get to location. Be sure to include the following items: Supplies for temporary identification of your animals if they do not have permanent ID First Aid Kits for both Humans and Animals Handling Equipment such as Halters, Leads and Cages Water, Feed, and Buckets Sanitation Supplies Cell phones, Flashlights, Portable Radios and Batteries Food, Water, and Disaster Supplies for your Family or Employees Current list of all animals, including their location and records of feeding, vaccinations, and tests.
Make sure that you have proof of ownership for all animals. This includes but is not limited to receipts from livestock bought and sold, registration papers, veterinary records, etc. This proof of ownership is necessary if you must apply for livestock indemnity payments with USDA - Farm Services Agency.
Identify Your Livestock - Whether livestock remain in the county, or are evacuated out of the path of the storm, your livestock should be identified. Nothing is better than a permanent hot iron or freeze brand that is properly registered under your name at the County Clerk’s Office. Ear notches can be helpful, but are not a positive ID. Horses can be permanently identified with microchips or tattoos. Keep ownership records with you as you evacuate. Take pictures of yourself with your livestock to help with identification if they become lost or if ownership is disputed. You can use temporary forms of identification including halters with ID plates, fetlock ID bands, mane clips or luggage tags, braided into tails and manes. Do NOT tie tags around the tails as this would cut off circulation. You can also write on your animals with livestock marking crayon, non-toxic, non-water soluble spray paint, or non-water -soluble markers.
More info: http://brazoria.agrilife.org/files/2011/04/Livestock-Hurricane-Preparedness-Guide-2012.pdf