RADA Provides Post-Hurricane Animal Care Tips

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has provided helpful post-Hurricane Beryl tips for livestock farmers.

These include conducting assessments of their homes, farms and animals in the aftermath of a hurricane, according to RADA Livestock Specialist, Maxine Brown.

Speaking during the recent Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon, Ms. Brown said farmers should start with a visual assessment of the infrastructures to determine whether they have been compromised.

She, however, cautioned them against rushing inside structures housing animals, citing potential hazards.

“What we don’t want is you rushing in and there is a live wire somewhere… [as] you may electrocute yourselves,” Ms. Brown said.

She advised that, if and when it is safe to do so, farmers should enter livestock enclosures and do an animal count, noting that livestock can sometimes get displaced during hurricanes due to, among other thing, damage to holding areas.

Consequently, Ms. Brown underscored the importance of maintaining livestock inventories, deemed critical in post-hurricane recovery efforts.

The livestock specialist also encouraged farmers to check animals for signs of stress or injuries.

Signs of stress include trembling, aggression or vocalising.

She further recommended checks for large wounds, and urged farmers to consult a veterinarian, if necessary.

Subsequent to assessments, treatment, if needed, and rejuvenation of animals, farmers should monitor them continuously for signs of illnesses and apply the appropriate interventions.

Ms. Brown said farmers should also examine and monitor water and food in storage.

If compromised, fresh food and clean water are to be sourced to eliminate risks.

“Some people believe that because they’re animals, they must drink dirty water. No, the animals are supposed to be drinking the same quality water that you would drink,” she underscored.

Ms. Brown said farmers should also ensure livestock feed procured or in storage is not contaminated, adding that this should not be given to the animals, once determined to be such.

“Don’t say, ‘Oh boy, do you know how much money I spent on this bag of feed? They have to eat it.’ You may have just killed off all the animals,” she stated.

Ms. Brown urged farmers to, instead, dispose of contaminated feed and bury deceased animals responsibly, if they have demised as a result of consuming feed gone bad.

She reminded farmers to consider their animals’ wellbeing and bear in mind that their livestock are their investments.

“Be conscious of [this]. These are your money makers. Treat them [well], because they are the ones making you live [well],” Ms. Brown said.

For assistance in post-hurricane recovery or to report losses, farmers should contact RADA’s parish offices or their local extension officers.