Kildare farmers and animal owners urged to exercise caution during current heatwave
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has urged farmers, horse and pet owners in County Kildare and beyond to exercise caution during the current heatwave.
Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael), alongside the Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD (Fianna Fáil), are advising farmers and pet owners to protect their animals and themselves during the current high temperatures affecting the country.
Ministers Heydon and Collins are also urging people to be vigilant to fire as an Orange Fire Risk Warning is in place.
Explaining the importance of exercising caution during the hot weather, Minister Heydon said: “It is important that farmers, horse and pet owners take steps to protect their animals during high temperatures to avoid the possibility of serious health and welfare problems arising due to the excessive heat.
“Hot weather can pose a risk to pets and livestock and it is vital to take action to protect animals in these conditions,” he added. “Having adequate shelter or shade and ensuring a plentiful supply of drinking water are particularly important to protect animals from heat stroke and discomfort.”
In addition, Minister Collins warned that, arising from current high temperatures, a high fire risk exists in all areas where dead grasses and dry shrubs such as heather and gorse exist: “I would encourage all landowners and managers to be vigilant to all fire activity and to report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síocáhna.
“Fire lines, Fire Plans, and fire suppression equipment should be made ready.
“I would also remind the public to cooperate with all fire safety requirements, not to light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas, and rural users should co-operate with all requests regarding fire safety, and ensure vehicles do not to impede access by emergency services.”
Minister Collins also advised farmers and outdoor workers to protect themselves in hot weather, especially as farmers ‘are the most important asset on any farm’.
He elaborated: “Farmers and outdoor workers must stay safe in the sun by avoiding the intense heat during peak hours from 11am to 3pm.
“When outside, farmers should wear light, loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin, alongside a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
“Any exposed skin should be protected by regularly applying water-resistant sunscreen, using at least factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children.”
Minister Collins concluded: “Finally, always stay in the shade whenever possible and keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.”
Both Ministers also outlined a series of steps to take in order to ensure pets are safe in hot weather.
Lastly, they stressed for the public be aware of the signs of heat stroke: “If dogs become too hot, this may lead to heat stroke, a serious condition which can be fatal.
“Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or seizures.”
They concluded: “If you suspect your dog has heat exhaustion or heat stroke, please seek immediate veterinary attention and try to cool the dog down by moving to a cooler location, preferably indoors, wetting their body, ears and paws with cool (not very cold) water and offering small volumes of cool or lukewarm (not cold) water to drink.”
Furthermore, the Ministers outlined some key points to reduce the impact of high temperatures on farm animals and horses.
Firstly, they emphasised to ensure a plentiful supply of drinking water:
Secondly, they said that there should be easy access to suitable shade or shelter:
Thirdly, they advised minimising handling and transport:
Fourthly, they said that intensively housed species, such as pigs and poultry, may need additional checks:
Lastly, the Ministers urged farmers to monitor all livestock closely for health issues or heat stress:
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