Vets highlight flood risk to livestock welfare following Storm Aileen

Standing in water and deep mud can exacerbate infections and diseases in cattle
Standing in water and deep mud can exacerbate infections and diseases in cattle

The UK’s veterinary body has highlighted the impact flooding could have on small holders and farmers following the UK's first storm of the season, Storm Aileen.

During the UK’s last major storm-flooding in winter 2015/16, 43% of vets in flood-prone areas reported loss of livestock, lameness or other welfare problems.

A survey of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) members immediately after Storms Desmond, Eva and Frank showed that a third of vets living in flood-affected areas reported that their clients had lost livestock due to the flooding, while around a quarter of vets reported cases of flood-related lameness.

Standing in water and deep mud can exacerbate infections and diseases in cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock, such as foot rot.

BVA has encouraged livestock owners to ensure their animals can access an area where they can stand out of the mud or damp.

Mud also creates an ideal habitat for the tiny snails which spread the serious parasite, liver fluke, which can be fatal to sheep.

Sheep are the worst hit

BVA’s survey revealed sheep were the worst hit by flood-related welfare problems.

Field flooding can happen days after heavy rainfall and rapidly rising water levels can cut off access to cattle and sheep or even wash them away.

The BVA said that if livestock are kept near a river and fields are prone to flooding, smallholders and farmers should consider moving their livestock to a higher or drier area ahead of time.

John Fishwick, Junior Vice President of the British Veterinary Association said: “The impact of storms and flooding on animal welfare can be devastating. So, we’re encouraging all livestock owners to exercise caution during extreme wet weather and take precautions where they can.

“This could help minimise loss of animals, both from diseases spread in these conditions and the possibility of being unable to reach animals that are in distress – hopefully reducing the personal impact many people will already be feeling from Storm Aileen.”