Released March 26, 2009

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Producers are reminded of safety measures for livestock in the face of rising flood waters in the Midwest.

South Dakota Cooperative Extension Veterinarian Russ Daly said reports of cattle stranded due to flooding in northeastern South Dakota may become more frequent if rains and snow continue.

"We know of several groups of animals in the area northwest of Aberdeen that have been stranded due to rising waters," said Daly. "It's a good time for producers to review what they can do to keep livestock safe."

Daly said a number of Web-based information sources provide guidelines, including this link that addresses actions during flooding events: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/disaster/flood/protectinglivestockduringaflood.html.

This site, along with other sources, discusses operations where animals are in confined locations such as lots or barns that may be in danger of flooding.

The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) also includes information on floods and flooding response at their Web site, http://www.eden.lsu.edu.

"Another good source of information for livestock producers is the information collected at the Center For Food Security & Public Health," Daly said. "That site offers information from a variety of sources addressing animal health concerns during natural disasters, potential livestock disease problems due to floods, and a variety of recovery and disposal guidelines."

The site Daly refers to is at this link: http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Flood_Recovery/producers.htm. For more information on livestock production safety during times of flooding, call Daly at (605) 688-6589, or e-mail him at Russell.Daly@sdstate.edu.

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http://agbionews.sdstate.edu/story.cfm?id=4667

Contact: Russell Daly, (605) 688-6589