Livestock experts from the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Delaware Department of Agriculture are encouraging livestock and animal owners to consider preparations for Hurricane Irene. Updates will be posted here on CANR Connect and on the DDA homepage.
DDA has issued this press release in regards to livestock preparations: http://dda.delaware.gov/pressrel/2011/082511_HurricaneLivestock.pdf
Information for poultry growers is posted here: http://dda.delaware.gov/pressrel/2011/082511_Hurricane-DPI.pdf
Tips for companion animal (pet) owners is available here: http://dda.delaware.gov/pressrel/2011/082211_HurricaneSeasonPets.pdf
EQUINE
The Delaware State Fair is accepting horses for sheltering during the hurricane. There are a limited number of stalls, so you must call ahead prior to taking your horse(s). FAIRGROUNDS PHONE NUMBER 302-398-3269 EXTENSION 203
Horse owners with low-lying pastures or barns or who expect flooding may consider moving horses off their property. If you are not expecting flooding of your animal area, or if you have high ground to which you can move your horses, please consider sheltering the horses in place (where they normally live). If your horses are housed near coastal waters, and you are thinking about evacuating your home, you must call the fairgrounds BEFORE loading your horses.
The fairgrounds will be providing only stalls for the horses that are shelterd there. If you call the fairgrounds and they have room for your horse, you must bring your own bedding and feed for your horses. There will not be any feed or bedding at the fairgrounds for you to use.
If you wish to stay at the fairgrounds, that will be allowed. You will need to arrange your own care for your horses. There will not be anyone at the fairgrounds to care for your horses. You will need to take care of your own horses by giving them feed, bedding, and water every day. If you do not have anyone to care for your horses at the fairgrounds, DO NOT take them to the fairgrounds.
Additional equine resources will be posted and updated on UD’s Extension Equine blog.
