County Urges Livestock Owners to Prepare for Milton

Posted On: October 8, 2024

Volusia County officials remind livestock owners to prepare for Hurricane Milton by identifying low-lying or flood-prone areas on their property and locating a place with higher ground where animals can use their survival instinct or be evacuated. As a refuge of last resort, county residents who own livestock may transport them to the Volusia County Fairgrounds if they are concerned that their property may flood and livestock would not be able to seek higher ground.

Owners should bring feed and water for livestock. They can keep livestock on the trailer or tie them off and stay in the pet friendly shelter at the fairgrounds, which will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

All animals should have a visible form of identification with the owner's contact information. For cattle, pigs, and small ruminants like goats and sheep, ear tags are a great way to identify animals. Horse owners can also use ear tags or braid the ID into the horse's main or tail. If owners cannot access tags, they can write phone numbers on the animal's hide with animal approved oil paint sticks.

UF/IFAS Extension Director Kalan Taylor explains: "Larger livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, goats) do well turned in a field with high ground because they will use their survival instincts if the storm hits. Smaller livestock (sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits) do well in pens or structures to keep them safe. However, owners know their animals best and should use their judgement on a case-by-case basis."

For more information, call the Extension at 386-822-5778.