Floodwater Disease Threatens Pets And Livestock
The British Veterinary Association are warning of the considerable risk of disease from floodwater to pets and livestock in the countryside.
Pet owners are being advised to keep pets away from the receding floodwater as many areas will have been contaminated with chemicals and sewage.
Flooding has affected many homes and large areas of land throughout the UK. Although the water is beginning to recede, it may take several months for things to return to normal.
In areas where water has been contaminated by sewage, chemicals and other waste, the danger to pets and livestock from floodwater disease remains and farmers and pet owners will need to remain vigilant as polluted water will continue to be a significant threat for some time to come.
Pets and livestock should not be allowed to drink water in flooded areas as there is a risk to the animals for diseases such as leptospirosis, which can be spread through stagnant water. Some of these diseases can be fatal.
Pets will have the best protection if their vaccinations are up-to-date.
There are additional problems for farmers and their livestock as silage and forage may have been contaminated preventing it being used as feed.
Animal owners in affected areas should speak to their vet if they have concerns and check with their environmental health team, who should be in a position to advise on local levels of contamination.
If you are suffering from flooding and are worried about contamination and removing floodwater, get in touch with CountyClean today and talk with one of our team or click here for more information.
We’ll advise you on the best course of action and provide help where we can.
For further advice, please visit the British Veterinary Association site.