USDA issues Livestock Emergency - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - The USDA has issued a heat emergency for livestock in all states dealing with unusually warm weather.

Dairy cows begin to show signs of heat exhaustion when temperatures reach the nineties.

Those symptoms become more dangerous when temperatures hit 100.

Veterinarians say farmers should watch for increased respiration and salivation in their livestock. 

"Our best recommendation is to get them out of the sunlight if possible--that's a woods or a building or some sort of shade," said Dr. Mike Houston of West Salem Veterinary Clinic.

While the livestock emergency generally affects dairy cows, Houston advises taking precautions with all animals.

"Everything's affected. So if you have horses, you want to provide some sort of ventilation and shade to get out of direct sunlight," Houston said. "Any ruminants--sheep, cattle, goats--all of them will need some sort of shade."

Houston also recommended misting cows with water and using fans to speed up the cooling process.