Missouri livestock producers affected by recent flooding are being encouraged to report missing or displaced animals as recovery efforts continue across several counties.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding swept through parts of southeast Missouri late last week, with some areas receiving nearly a foot of rain. The high water impacted farms and ranches across Crawford, Iron, Reynolds, St. Francois and surrounding counties, leaving some producers searching for cattle and other livestock that may have been carried away by floodwaters.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division is coordinating reports of missing and recovered livestock to help reunite animals with their owners and monitor losses across the affected region.
Producers filing a report should be ready to provide contact information along with details about the animals, including the species, number of head, breed, color and any permanent identification such as ear tags, brands, tattoos or other markings.
Anyone reporting livestock that has been found should also provide the exact location where the animals were located, along with the date and time they were discovered. Accurate location information can help officials quickly identify and contact owners.
Farmers who experienced livestock deaths because of the flooding are also encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to determine whether they may qualify for assistance through federal livestock indemnity programs.
State officials say quick reporting can improve the chances of reuniting livestock with their owners while helping agencies assess the full impact of the flooding on Missouri agriculture.
Pets displaced by the flooding should be reported through local animal control agencies or area animal shelters rather than the Missouri Department of Agriculture.