Stress On Livestock

Introducing livestock to a decontamination process can be a stressful experience. Our goal is to limit stress over time, which means we need to implement the right level of stress for each individual animal. If an animal is under high-stress conditions, we need to finish the process quickly. Conversely, we can take our time if an animal is under low-stress conditions. When handling animals, it's important to note that those that have limited human interaction react differently than those that have been appropriately handled. 

We can keep animals and handlers safe during the process by paying attention to behavioral changes and following proper handling protocols.   Stress has a negative impact on all livestock and can occur due to extreme or prolonged physiological and behavioral adjustments. 

The three types of stress animals experience are physical, physiological, and behavioral. Physical stress can be caused by fatigue or injury, physiological stress can be caused by hunger, thirst, or temperature control, and behavioral stress can be caused by the environment, unfamiliar people, or surroundings.   

Stress has a similar impact on animals and humans. In both cases, stress causes the body to release adrenaline and cortisol hormones, which can increase heart rate and respiration while suppressing the immune system. While these responses are adaptive, overexposure to stress can cause physiological problems such as weight loss, changes to the immune system, and decreased reproductive capacity.   

Stressors are the factors that cause stress, such as noise, unfamiliar pen mates, or dogs. While many animals can tolerate a single stressor for a short period of time, multiple stressors over a long period of time may lead to distress and suffering. The ability of animals to cope with stress will depend on their genetic background and past experiences.   Stressed animals display low to no feed intake, poor immune function, poor response to vaccines, and decreased reproductive performance. 

While some degree of stress is inevitable, our aim is to keep stress to a minimum. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, is produced in the adrenal glands and affects metabolism, the immune system, reproductive function, and memory. By limiting stress and cortisol levels, we can help ensure the well-being of our livestock.

GL Horsemanship has developed a low-stress decontamination system for livestock.

The primary purpose of decontamination in a hazardous materials emergency is to limit the spread of contaminants from the release area, or "hot zone," to include cleaning responders and their equipment.

Decontamination is an important factor in preventing infection in primary and secondary care settings. Failing to decontaminate equipment or the environment may not always be obvious, but it can result in cross-infection and put owners, responders and the community at risk.

The removal or neutralization of a contaminating substance, such as poisonous gas or a radioactive material is necessary for overall health.

Over the past few years, severe fires throughout California have exposed humans and animals to unhealthy air containing wildfire smoke and particulates.  Those particles continue to live in the haircoats of livestock and, if not adequately removed, create long-term health issues for animals housed together that groom one another.

Particulates can build up in the respiratory system, causing several health problems, including burning eyes, runny noses, and illnesses such as bronchitis. They can also aggravate heart and lung diseases such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma.