By Gary Joiner
TFB Radio Network Manager
Officials estimate there are more than 1.2 million head of beef cattle—about 27 percent of the state’s total—in the 54 Texas counties that have been declared a disaster due to Hurricane Harvey and subsequent flooding.
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Animal Response Team is working around the clock to help farmers and ranchers impacted by the storm to save cattle, horses and pets.
The TAHC Animal Response Team is comprised of representatives of federal and state agencies; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service; industry organizations, including Texas Farm Bureau (TFB); and other stakeholder groups. The team convenes daily by conference call to discuss and coordinate emergency operations and response efforts. The team began meeting before Hurricane Harvey’s arrival on the Texas coast.
“Right now, as was expected, given enough time to make changes on the farm and on the ranch, many producers were able to prevent any more catastrophic results from the storm when dealing with their livestock and also their companion animals,” Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities and a member of the TAHC Animal Response Team, told the TFB Radio Network. “However, for those unfortunately in an emergency situation with their livestock and pets, the group stands ready to lend assistance.”
Tomascik said impacted farmers and ranchers can dial 2-1-1 for information about animal shelters and livestock holding facilities in their area.
“TAHC, in particular cooperation with our AgriLife Extension agents, has set up strike forces to assist producers with such holding facilities. Feed would be a resource needed, potentially, at those locations,” Tomascik said. “Some locations have been identified, but the group is looking to have a central holding facility in the counties that are negatively affected.”
TAHC has also set up the Harvey Hotline at 512-719-0799 at the Animal Response Operation Coordination Center. Those looking to volunteer, donate, wanting to offer shelter for animals or report live or dead animals are encouraged to call the Harvey Hotline.
More of Tomascik’s comments can be heard on the TFB Radio Network.
We are waiting for the water to recede but have not been able to locate some cattle north of Hwy 90 along the Liberty and Harris county line on Cedar Bayou. We have contacted the game warden and Liberty county Sheriff for any information about any livestock that have been recovered.
Thank you, please be safe! God Bless…
You can also call the Harvey Hotline and see if they have any leads. I think the phone line is open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.