January 3, 2014

South Australia urges poultry farmers to prepare against extreme heat

As severe to extreme temperatures are forecast across most of the state, livestock owners in South Australia are being urged to ensure they take special care of their livestock during the next few days.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Roger Paskin, said wherever possible, stock should be moved to shaded areas with shelter from hot northerly winds. Ample cool water is an essential ingredient for successfully keeping stock healthy during extremes of temperature.

Paskin said, "Feeder pipes should be buried to help with temperature control and to prevent breakages. In hot weather, troughs should be inspected daily to ensure they are working correctly. Keep animals away from dams which may become boggy and a danger for any stock seeking water."

He added that during hot weather, livestock should be checked daily to ensure they're coping with the heat. He also said that livestock owners who were not living on their properties - or were away on holiday – should ask neighbours to check regularly on their animals and water troughs.

Paskin said transporters of livestock should also have in place contingency plans to handle unexpected breakdowns, especially during hot weather. They must also be aware of updated, national welfare laws governing the movement of livestock, information on which is available online.

Poultry too are very susceptible to heat and if they're kept in a shed that isn't fitted with an effective cooling system, then the shed should be cooled by wetting the shed or hanging wet hessian in breezeways. Birds will need access to plenty of cool water, he added.