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People aren’t the only animals suffering in this extreme heat. State Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven said at least 1,500 head of cattle have died across South Dakota during the prolonged excessive hot spell, with temperatures routinely hitting the high 90s and sometimes topping the century mark across the state.
“Unfortunately, there are probably more than that,” Oedekoven said Tuesday. “That’s what’s been reported to my office.”
Some cattle owners may have insurance, although Oedekoven said that’s not common. Farmers who lost cattle to the heat may be able to get assistance from the Farm Service Agency’s indemnity program, he said.
Oedekoven said the extreme heat and humidity have simply overwhelmed the cattle, especially in areas where there is little or no wind. Hot, humid nights have added to the toll, he said, terming it “a recipe for disaster.”
The animals are dying of heat exhaustion, Oedekoven said. Their bodies simply can’t cool down, and they die.
There are some reports of a large number of deaths in one location. In Estelline, 200 cattle died in a feedlot outside of the small Hamlin County town, Oedekoven said.
Lakeview Veterinary Clinic veterinarian Dr. Joni Kniffen, of Mitchell, said she has not heard of any cattle dying in the area in the last few days.
“Not that I am aware of,” Kniffen said. “Farmers are working their cattle in the early-morning hours, doing vaccinations, treating, anything kind of like that.” Farmers are keeping their cattle in the shade, providing them with water and sprinkling them to keep them cool, Kniffen said. But she wasn’t surprised to hear of the hundreds of cattle that died. That’s always a risk this time of year, especially when cattle are being moved or worked.
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