Animals Affected by a Snowstorm

Advice for livestock, poultry, and horse owners

Your animals are your responsibility. You need to include them in your planning in the event of an emergency. The following information will help you prepare to ensure the welfare of your animals in a snowstorm.

Advance planning

• Animals need food and water daily.  If snow is likely to prevent them from accessing their regular feeding/watering areas, move them before the storm to an area where food and water will be accessible.
• Vulnerable animals (e.g., close to giving birth, newborns, and older animals) should be moved to areas which will be easily accessible in case they need assistance, supplementary feed, or veterinary treatment.
• Always prepare for a potential lack of transport and power outages. Farmers should have their own backup generator or access to one. 

Securing livestock

• Check that all animals are secured and safe.
• Check to make sure ALL fences and gates have no damage and are still functional. 
• If your animals happen to get loose check them for any health issues. If animals that are not your own have entered your property, keep them separated until they are returned to their property, or their health status can be verified for biosecurity reasons. 

Shelter 

• If possible, move animals to sheltered paddocks, wooded areas, and areas with cover. 
• Prioritize giving shelter to stock that are young, close to giving birth, have recently been clipped, or are older animals.
• Avoid mixing animals that are not usually in contact. Keep sick animals housed away from all other animals.
• Take note of building roofs where snow can collect and prevent or safely clear excessive snow weight to avoid roof collapse. 

Hypothermia

• If exposed to the cold, animals may suffer from hypothermia (loss of body temperature) or frostbite. The coat on your animal may make it harder to detect frostbite or cold stress. Signs may include shivering, feeling cold to touch, drowsiness, reduced movement, and collapsing.
• If you think your animal is suffering from hypothermia, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Feed and water 

• Ensure you have enough supplementary feed on hand such as hay, silage, pellets, etc.. Your animal can lose condition quickly in the cold and it is important they have a nutrient-rich source of feed. Ensure you have enough feed on-site for at least 5 days in the event feed delivery or travel for purchases is delayed by snow clearing efforts. 
• Most animals need 60ml water/kg/ 24 hours each to sustain hydration levels.
• Check that snow or ice has not blocked or damaged troughs or water supplies; even covered water containers may freeze over.
• Breaking surface ice only provides temporary access to water. It is best that water supplies have some method of freezing prevention.
• Check machinery such as water pumps as they may be impaired by snow or ice. Once snow has melted, examine pastures, paddocks, and stored feed to ensure it is safe and usable.

Useful contacts

• Department of Agriculture (Animal Welfare) – Phone 902-368-4880
• Public Safety Canada, Farm Animals
• For general information about road access and telecommunications, contact your Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy
• Emergency Measures Organization