Download Animal and Livestock Water Concerns

ANIMAL AND LIVESTOCK WATER CONCERNS
As triple digit temperatures are not uncommon in Eddy County. Local veterinarians are warning against
diseases and water toxins that can develop quickly in stock tanks, pet waters and ponds roasting
beneath the sizzling sun.
Dr. Ted McCollum III, Texas AgriLife Extension cattle specialist in Amarillo, says bacterial threats
like leptospirosis and anaplasmosis and blue-green algae toxins can return to ponds and stock tanks
quickly in dry, hot weather and offer serious risks to animal welfare, often resulting in death.
“It is a risk that returns with the summer each year. Some years are worse than others, but basically it’s
a combination of no rain and extreme heat. It’s not anything new and most livestock producers are
aware of the dangers. It is a good time to starting checking water sources.” McCollum says just as
important as safe drinking water, green forage is required to help keep cattle hydrated. There is not
much green forage out there, in fact there not much brown forage either.
An average cow or horse will consume 20 to 25 gallons of water per day in this heat, and 14 to 20 gallon
per day in the winter, depending on activity. This will go up when there is little or no water in their
forage. Pets will consume 1 to 5 % of their body weight. Animals will not forage as well when it is dry,
and don’t go as far from water, so supplemental feeding has to occur.
The importance of water tanks and ponds becomes more critical, but heat and intense ultra violet light
encourages bacterial and algae growth that threatens livestock. Risks include:
Leptospirosis
The Center for Disease Control, states that leptospirosisis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and
animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Without treatment, leptospirosis can lead to
kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver
failure, respiratory distress, and even death in both humans and animals.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease of cattle that causes destruction of red blood cells. The disease is
caused by a minute parasite, Anaplasma marginale, found in the red blood cells of infected cattle. It can
be transmitted from infected animals to healthy animals by insects or by surgical instruments. It is a
disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilu, and is often spread around ponds and
other water sources where wildlife and farm animals congregate.
Blue-green algae
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are present any standing water in Eddy county. Under
certain conditions, harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and
animals. It favors warm, stagnant water, especially if it’s nutrient-laden, such as animal waste. Mr.
Burcham when I took Animals Science 100 almost 40 years ago told us the most important nutrient for
animals is quality clean water. He was right.
When it is hot and dry the risk of heat stress and water-related problems is greater. Water deprivation,
water intoxication and water quality can all play a role in animal health during the summer season,”
McCollum adds. Water deprivation occurs when animals cannot consume an adequate amount of
water. Reduced water intake can result in reduced performance. Water deprivation can be fatal. If
animals have been deprived of water don’t let them have all the want a once, give them small amounts
over a period of time. Water intoxication occurs when animals over-consume water, according to
McCollum. It usually occurs following a period of reduced water consumption or increased water loss
from the body. Consult your local veterinarian if you are having problems.
Exposures to bacteria and algae toxins can be reduced by monitoring your tanks and ponds for bluegreen algae that might appear as a pale greenish oil scum on the top of the water, except around the
edges where it’s more a cobalt blue color. Small tanks and water bowl should be cleaned when this
occurs, the dried algae makes great fertilizer on nonfood plants. Larger tanks can be treated if
necessary. Do not use cooper sulphate for sheep water. Cooper is deadly to sheep and some fish. The
other thing I might say is to watch for dead birds or other wildlife around your water sources as an early
indication something is wrong. Not just livestock but all animals can be poisoned or diseased from toxic
water. Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative
action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion,
sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and
the Eddy County Government Cooperating.