Dangers Associated with Flooded Pastures

In recent years, there have been multiple incidences of major floods in the Midwest of the US as a result of hurricanes and large storms. These floods pose a major risk to humans and animals alike. Horses in pastures or barns that are flooded are at risk of injury or disease from many different sources
Mud is a serious hazard for stranded horses. They can become trapped and fracture a limb or seriously injure themselves while struggling to free themselves from the deep mud. While struggling, horses commonly sustain eye injuries as a result of trauma from stalls or fencing.
Standing in water contaminated with chemicals, sewage, and minerals for long periods of time can weaken the skin’s barrier capacity on the legs and allow entry of bacteria or fungi. These infections can cause lameness or loss of use of the limb, and may be life-threatening. Common hoof problems associated with standing water include thrush or sloughing of the frog. White line disease (separation of the laminae), laminitis, or foot abscesses may be found after the hoof has dried.
Bacterial contamination of the water can cause diseases such as Leptospirosis, colitis, tetanus, botulism, pneumonia (either by bacteria or aspiration), and anthrax. Abortions can be caused by stress or infections. Mosquito born diseases such as West Nile Virus and Eastern and Western Encephalitis are a problem due to large amounts of standing water, where mosquitoes like to replicate. Equine Infectious Anemia is a disease transmitted by biting flies and can be increased in a flood situation. Potomac Horse Fever is also a concern, as it is carried by aquatic insects.
Water also saturates the feed, which becomes moldy and may be toxic to the animals. Ruined pastures can cause a “green drought” where there is little grass to eat. This may cause horses to eat poisonous plants that they would normally avoid. They will need supplementary feeding in the form of dry hay or pelleted feed.
One can never be completely prepared for a disaster, but there are a few measures you can take to ensure that your horses will be safer in the event of a flood. Having proper identification is very important, whether in the form of a tag, tattoo, brand or microchip. Vaccinations should be current, not only for mosquito borne diseases, but for other viral and bacterial diseases that can be spread by comingling with neighboring herds. These include Potomac Horse Fever, West Nile Virus, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis, Tetanus, Influenza, Equine Viral Rhinopneumonitis, and Streptococcus equi (Strangles). If available, moving animals to higher ground before a large storm will help prevent problems. Being prepared is the first step to getting you and your horses through a disaster. Concerned owners should consult their local veterinarian for further information on preventative measures that can be taken.