LIVESTOCK PLAN

Livestock Emergency Preparedness

Are you prepared for an emergency or disaster such as a fire, flood, or severe weather? These are common risks that affect agricultural communities. Being prepared will help you protect your property and livestock.

If you are forced to evacuate, there are a few things you can do to prepare in advance.

Identify where you will go if you must evacuate — Identify family, friends, or neighbours who could house livestock during a disaster.

Determine how you will evacuate yourselves and your livestock — Set up safe transportation. You may need multiple trucks, trailers, or other vehicles depending on the type and how many animals you have. Be ready to leave early or as soon as an evacuation order is given.

Develop an emergency plan — This plan should have a list of emergency contact numbers including fire departments, RCMP, neighbours, veterinarians, transport resources, etc. Your emergency plan should include a map with all building and equipment locations, animal locations, in and out access points, water sources, locations for shut offs (gas, electricity, and power), and a muster point. Post your emergency plan in every building on your property and review the information regularly.

If livestock cannot be evacuated, move them to a pre-selected location. In a flood, this may be higher ground, or in the event of a wildfire, move livestock to a heavily worked field, heavily grazed, or green pasture. Leave enough feed and water for a minimum of three days and cut fences so livestock can escape if necessary. Make sure your livestock has some form of identification (tags, paint, etc.).

Emergencies and disasters can last a few hours or a few days. It is a good idea to keep enough supplies on hand to last a minimum of 14 days.

Livestock emergency supplies:

• List of all animals, descriptions, and their locations.

• A list of feeding records, animal medications, and veterinarian records.

• First aid kit supplies.

• Supplies for temporary identification, such as permanent markers, animals spray paint/markers, and tags.

• Sale records and proof of ownership.

• Handling equipment (ropes, halters, blankets, and appropriate tools for each animal).

• Feed and water supplies that do not require power.

If you are affected by a disaster and an evacuation order is issued, it is important that you first and foremost follow the directions of first responders.

There are many resources available to you to develop your own emergency plan.

Get a copy of our Livestock Emergency Response Guide at bit.ly/MDAgPlan or by scanning the QR code above.