Heatwave Causes Double the Usual Livestock Deaths in Belgium

Belgian agricultural organizations are raising concerns over a significant increase in livestock mortality linked to the recent prolonged heatwave. The collection company Rendac in Denderleeuw reported processing twice the usual number of animal carcasses, highlighting the severe impact of the extreme temperatures on farms.

Both the Boerenbond and ABS agricultural organizations confirmed the rise in deaths among farm animals. Tessa De Prins, a spokesperson for the Boerenbond, explained that heat stress severely affects livestock, leading to reduced appetite and difficulty breathing. "At the end of June, the high temperatures even led to excess mortality in several livestock farms," she stated.

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Heat stress in animals can have major consequences. It causes them to have less appetite and breathe with difficulty.

The surge in demand strained Rendac's operations. Paul Cerpentier of ABS noted that the company had to implement emergency measures to cope. "Rendac took various emergency measures to process the larger number of reports," he said. "They started driving on Saturdays and also deployed trucks without cranes to pick up the animals." The number of carcasses per call also increased, with multiple deaths often found at a single location, further delaying collections and extending waiting times.

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Rendac took various emergency measures to process the larger number of reports. They started driving on Saturdays and also deployed trucks without cranes to pick up the animals.

While Rendac reports that the situation has stabilized, ABS remains concerned about the potential for renewed problems as temperatures are forecast to rise again later in the week. The Boerenbond is offering advice to farmers to help them prepare for future heat events. Recommendations include installing fans in barns, increasing misting and ventilation, ensuring adequate shade, and maintaining water supply. Farmers are also advised to adjust feeding schedules.

De Prins also pointed out that crops are suffering under the high temperatures, with potatoes, newly planted crops, and flowering peas showing signs of distress. She emphasized the importance of providing sufficient moisture and cooling for both animals and plants during such periods.

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It is important to provide sufficient moisture and cooling.