Floods can impact animal and human health. It is important to make plans for your livestock, horses and pets prior to needing to evacuate your place. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is encouraging pet and livestock owners to take extra precautions to protect their pets and livestock today.
Know the weather
Find out when flooding is most likely going to occur in your area. Follow reliable weather forecasts and set up an automatic alert system on your mobile device or computer, so you'll be alerted in case a weather system moves into your area, or a weather advisory is issued.
Prepare an emergency kit
Severe flooding can lead to power outages, animal escape or injury. Have an emergency kit that includes the following items on hand:
- Handling equipment (e.g., halters, nose leads, leashes, collars, transport carriers)
- Water, feed, and buckets – at least for 5- 7 days for both pets and livestock animals
- Medications and first aid supplies
- Tools and supplies needed for manure cleanup
- Safety and emergency items for your vehicles and trailers
- Veterinarian's contact information
- Vaccination history of the animals
Have well maintained backup generators or alternate power sources for livestock production operations, especially if relying on a well for water.
Before a Flood
For pets:
- Make sure pets are current on all vaccinations
- Develop evacuation plan for your pets
- Identification – collar/tag, add a picture in their medical files, if you have proof of ownership, etc.
For livestock:
- Maintain an inventory of all animals on the farm
- Have identification of all animals on the farm
- Make evacuation arrangements – i.e. places for your livestock to go, identify alternate water or power sources, and transport arrangements
During a Flood
For pets:
- Bring pets inside immediately
- AVOID leaving pets behind if evacuating
For livestock:
- Be aware of animal behavior that may change before, during and even after a disaster
- AVOID leaving animals in lowlying areas
- If you can't take all the livestock with you, make sure you leave gates or buildings open so they can escape to higher ground.
After a Flood
Beware of all animals on the property behavior's before, during and even after a disaster
For pets:
- Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, and your pet may become confused and lost
- Pets can be poisoned by exposure to harmful chemicals, products, or foods.
Return animals only after the threat has passed and the safety of the buildings and areas have been assessed.
After the water has subsided, assess your animals, building structures, and pastures.
- Examine your animals closely and contact your veterinarian if you observe injuries.
- Survey damage to your barns and other structures, assessing them for stability and safety.
- Gather and dispose of trash, limbs, wire, and damaged equipment that could harm livestock before returning them to outdoor enclosures.
Provide pets and livestock with non-contaminated feed and water, ensuring that they have access to clean, uncontaminated water. Do not feed flood damaged or moldy feed or hay, or any feed that may have been contaminated by chemicals or pesticides. This will prevent illness in your animals.