Health issues | DairyNZ

Clean water and adequate feed and energy supplies are the priorities for stock in disaster situations.

Physical - depending on particle size, origin, hardness of silt particles and quantity consumed they can act like sandpaper against the rumen wall. Particles can also block up 2nd and 3rd stomachs leading to ketosis, lack of appetite and scouring. Provide plenty of good water and energy to prevent ketosis
Chemical toxicity - possible if contaminants in silt/ash - hard to identify or quantify. Good water and good rumen function hopefully avoids problems
Infectious problems - mainly bacterial. Soil may contain clostridia spores and sewage and effluent contamination may lead to gut diseases such as Salmonella
Increased risk of mastitis from environmental bacteria eg. E.coli
Dead animals in silt e.g. rats etc
Feed value issues - poor energy and nutrient intake, cow dry matter intake poor rumen function, acidosis and ketosis. Direct impact of silt or other nutrients, such as reducing iron and copper uptake.

Ensure magnesium levels are kept up to scratch
Extra walking or wet condition will increase lameness cases
Transporting of stock and mixing with new herds is very stressful from a physical and social point of view. Good feeding, watering and magnesium levels help. Also calcium if cows have recently calved. An energy drench before and after is likely to help. The after effects of long distance transport are detectable for up to 2 weeks
Reduce stocking rate - removing animals and once a day milking are all options. Concentrate on smaller numbers and do them better.