January 8, 2007

 

Cattle losses in storm-affected US state Kansas lower than feared

 

 

The number of Kansas cattle killed by last week's snow storm was below initial expectations, although feed yard losses varied, and there were a few cases of heavy losses, state veterinarian Sam Graham said Friday (Jan 5).

 

"It will costs millions of dollars in (weight and performance) losses and recovery efforts," Graham said. But "death losses were amazingly low," estimated at 0.01 percent in the 44 counties designated as disaster areas by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, he said.

 

However, he said it was difficult to get a good estimate of losses incurred by cattle that were out in pastures. Many of these cattle normally don't see a human for days at a time, and getting out to check on them is hard.

 

Graham said he based his conclusions on extensive research with rendering companies, the Kansas Livestock Association, feedlots and others. The greatest problem to the state's cattle industry was the loss of electrical power from the icing and wind that preceded the snow, he said.

 

Most facilities now have backup generators in place and were able to limp along, Graham said. And power is being restored by electric crews, even if the wiring is temporary in some cases.

 

In addition, hay is being delivered to pasture cattle with the aid of the Kansas National Guard, he said.

 

Graham said he expects rising rates of storm-related illness among the cattle in coming days.

 

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