Disaster Management Tips for Livestock
The Ministry of Agriculture is advising all farmers to take all necessary precautions to reduce risk to life and their property as a heavy rain warning remains in force for parts of the Fiji group. Farmers living in flood-prone areas are advised to move their livestock to higher grounds. Below are some tips for the livestock farmers. ͻ ͻ
ͻ ŝƐĂƐƚĞƌ ZĞĂĚŝŶĞƐƐ ŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚ ͻ Herd/flock health and
vaccinations up-to-date ͻ Animal identification ͻ Health papers ͻ Records stored in safe location ͻ Evacuation plan ͻ Food and water for 1-2 weeks. recommend Silage Θ Urea Molasses Block (UMB)] ͻ Emergency equipment and
first aid supplies stored ͻ Partner with other producers/
farms ͻ Coordinate plans with
local agricultural groups ͻ Secured shelter with efficient
penning and loading facilities
WƌĞͲ
ͻ
ƵƌŝŶŐ ŝƐĂƐƚĞƌ
other ͻ ͻ ͻ
ͻ Monitor the disaster ͻ ͻ Frequent checks on animals ͻ Accessible to food and water
WŽƐƚͲ ŝƐĂƐƚĞƌ ͻ Call your veterinarian if ͻ required
Watch out for fallen power lines and report them to the utility company immediately. >ivestock are very curious and will be drawn to downed power lines. Herd them away from all power lines.
Be alert at all times of loose livestock. These animals will be very frightened and may charge or attack.
Utilize low stress, safe livestock handling practices- remember your animals may be very scared.
Assess building structures. Survey damage to barns and other structures͖ assess the stability and safety.
When entering damaged barns or farm structures, use extreme caution. Make sure someone else is present outside the building if you choose to enter. Be on the lookout not just for building damage but also frightened animals
Examine animals closely. Injuries may include impalements and lacerations from flying debris. ͻ Animals that are loose or unable to be contained at the impact site will need to be relocated to a temporary housing facility.
Animals that require ͻ euthanasia must be euthanized as soon as it is safe to do so. Animals cannot be transported for euthanasia, they must be euthanized where they are located. Injured animals that meet standards for transport can be transported to a veterinary clinic. Call your veterinarian and let them know what animals you are bringing in. >ong term temporary housing and feed supplies may need to be established. ͻ Animals may need to be sold if the provision for temporary housing is unable to be secured. ͻ Feedstuff may need to accessed if you lost your source of feed source during the event. ͻ Dead stock will need to be disposed of as soon as possible to prevent disease spread, public health and environmental issues. ͻ ͻ
All housing areas in the impact area will need to be thoroughly cleaned and cleared of debris. Fencing and facilities repaired or replaced before animals can return
Any animals that become stranded will have to be provided feed until rescue can occur