Sheep Industry News Sheep Care Guide 2021

animal care plans that address potential emer gencies. Because of the wide variation in sheep production systems, it is beyond the scope of this Guide to provide details for all of them. How ever, all plans should include the following: • Contact information for local law enforcement authorities • Contact information for local fire and rescue squads • Names and contact information for local

Figure 2. Livestock Weather Safety Indexes should be used during appropriate times of the year. When weather conditions fall in the Danger or Emergency Zones, adjustments should be made to accommodate livestock.

veterinary practitioners and the state veterinar ian’s office • Contact information for the local or regional Emergency Management Agency

Proper disposal of dead animals is necessary to prevent envi ronmental contamination, control disease, discourage preda tion, and to maintain a positive public perception. Typical disposal methods include deep burial, disposal in landfills, incineration or burning, rendering, and composting. Not all of these are legal options in many areas. Producers should fa miliarize themselves with state and local ordinances govern ing dead animal disposal and develop a plan to handle losses. In the case of certain diseases, such as anthrax, the state

This information should be displayed prominently so it will be readily available if needed. Plans may also include information about possible sources of emergency feed and water supplies should they become necessary. Mortality Disposal All sheep operations will experience some animal deaths.

animal health code may specify that dead animals must be disposed of under the direction of the state or federal veterinari an. If animal mortalities exceed historical proportions, the state veterinarian’s office or the state department of agriculture can provide guidelines or assistance for ap propriate disposal. Animal injuries, bruises, carcass dam age, and pelt damage may occur during loading, transportation, and unloading. Rough handling, mixing animals, and poorly designed and maintained equip ment account for most injuries and dam age. Loading facilities should be designed with an understanding of the natural TRANSPORTATION

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