Extreme hot weather guidance for keepers of livestock, including poultry

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) are reminding keepers of livestock and poultry of the risks to animal welfare posed by the prolonged dry weather.

 APHA are highlighting the key actions that can be taken to minimise the effects of thermal stress due to hot weather. 

Some of the key actions include, but are not limited to:-

For all species:

• Sufficient fresh water must always be provided. In very hot weather this becomes even more important, and a greater volume will be required.
• If there is a lack of water or supply is interrupted, it is essential that another safe and suitable water source is found as soon as possible.
• Livestock should be checked more regularly, but not disturbed unduly, and action taken to ensure health and welfare is maintained seeking further advice from your private vet as required.
• Adopt nutritional strategies under veterinary advice which may include the use of supplements in water.
• Ensure watering lines are kept clean and free of blockages.

 There are further key actions for grazing/housed animals and for poultry and pigs. For a copy, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 As part of the CIWEM Land and Water Management digital series, the FUW recently participated in a webinar which provided an overview of drought management in Wales and a synopsis of the hydrological highlights and sequence of events during 2022. The webinar can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tlB84gwnbo 

Guidance is also available on the Welsh Government website as follows:

• Caring for farm animals and horses in extreme weather: English and Welsh.
• Meat chicken welfare – code of practice: English and Welsh.
• Laying hen welfare – code of practice: English and Welsh.