Animals Affected by Flood

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 flood.

Advance planning

• Animals need food and water daily.  If a flooding event is likely to prevent them from accessing their regular feeding/watering areas, move them before the event to an area where food and water will be accessible and that is accessible to you as their caregiver.
• 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. 

Evacuation plan

• Look after yourself, your family, any workers, and your neighbours. Ask for help if you need it.
• If you must evacuate and leave your animals behind, make sure they’re in a secure and sheltered place either inside or outside and as far from flooding risk as is possible.
• If you have animals in paddocks near waterways that have the potential to flood (streams, rivers etc.), move them to higher ground.
• Vulnerable animals (e.g., animals close to giving birth, newborns, or older animals) should be moved to areas which will be easily accessible in case they need assistance, supplementary feed, or veterinary treatment.

Securing livestock

• If you stay on your property, check that all animals are secured and that fences have not been damaged by flooding or power  outages (in the case of electric fences).
• If you must move your animals, consider moving them to higher ground. Higher ground could be on your own property, moving them to a neighbor’s property if they’re able to secure them and agree to allow it, or evacuation to another area. 
• Make sure your animals have access to clean feed and water in their new space until they can be returned to their paddocks.

Animal injuries

In a flood, animals may panic and flee to escape the situation. Check your animals for wounds or injuries. If you think your animals have sustained any injuries, contact your veterinarian.

Feed and water

• Keep animals away from flood water. It may be contaminated with biological waste and/or chemicals.
• If you encounter an animal that has been in flood water, change your clothing and wash your hands thoroughly. If you can, wear protective gear such as coveralls, gloves, and a mask.
• Move animals out of flooded paddocks as soon as you safely can.
• If animals are left in contaminated water for long periods, they are at risk of bacterial infections, chemical burns and sloughing of their skin. Clean the skin/coat affected by flood waters by hosing the animal down with non-contaminated water.
• If the water is not safe for you to drink, consider it unsafe for your animals. Get clean water and feed to your animals as soon as possible. Pasture and stored feed may be contaminated by flood water. 

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. 

For more information about preparing and planning for your animals in a natural disaster emergency, visit our website.