As winter settles across South Africa, farmers are being urged to take proactive steps to protect livestock and crops from cold weather, snow, frost, wind and wet conditions. While many regions welcome winter rainfall, severe cold fronts can place animals under significant stress and increase the risk of disease, production losses and even mortality.
By Talitha Janse van Vuuren, multimedia editor at African Farming
The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has appealed to farmers and farming communities to remain vigilant as cold weather conditions are expected to affect large parts of the country. According to a recent warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), snowfall, strong winds and freezing temperatures may affect parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and surrounding provinces. The department warns that vulnerable livestock and crops could be particularly at risk and encourages farmers to prepare well in advance, especially at the start of the winter season.
Vox Weather warning
How to keep your animals disease-free in wet conditions
Cold, wet and windy weather can create ideal conditions for disease outbreaks, parasite challenges and production setbacks. African Farming asked Dr Johan van Rooyen, a veterinarian from Steynsburg, Wikus Bekker, a sheep farmer from Edenburg in the Southern Free State, and Mornay Verster, a cattle farmer from Westminster in the Eastern Free State, for their advice on how farmers can keep their animals disease-free in very wet conditions.
Protect young and vulnerable animals
Newborn lambs and calves are especially vulnerable during cold weather. Exposure to rain, wind and low temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia, particularly if newborn animals do not receive colostrum soon after birth.
Farmers should ensure that pregnant animals have access to sheltered lambing and calving areas and closely monitor newborns during severe weather events. Adequate colostrum intake within the first few hours of life remains one of the most important defences against disease.
Stay ahead of respiratory diseases
Cold weather often increases the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory conditions, particularly in recently weaned calves. Preventive vaccination programmes should already be in place before severe weather arrives.
Farmers are encouraged to work closely with their veterinarians to ensure vaccination schedules are up to date and to minimise stress during handling and weaning.
Monitor parasite pressure
Although parasites are often associated with warmer months, wet winter conditions can create favourable environments for internal parasites and liver fluke in certain areas. Regular monitoring, strategic dosing and maintaining animals in good overall condition can help reduce losses.
Farmers should pay particular attention to sheep and young stock, as weakened animals are often more susceptible to parasite burdens.
Keep feet healthy
Wet camps, muddy kraals and standing water create ideal conditions for footrot, hoof abscesses and other hoof-related problems.
Preventive footbaths, improved drainage and moving animals to drier camps where possible can help reduce disease pressure. Early treatment is essential when signs of lameness are observed.
Maintain nutrition and body condition
Animals require more energy to maintain body temperature during cold weather. Farmers should ensure livestock have access to sufficient grazing, supplementary feed where necessary and clean drinking water.
Mineral and vitamin supplementation may also help strengthen immunity during periods of environmental stress.
Prepare for disease outbreaks before they happen
Veterinarians caution farmers against waiting until disease outbreaks occur before taking action. Diseases such as bluetongue, Rift Valley fever and other insect-borne illnesses are best managed through preventative vaccination programmes implemented well before risk periods.
Good biosecurity practices, accurate record-keeping and regular consultation with a herd veterinarian remain critical components of any livestock health plan.
For more practical advice, see African Farming’s articles on keeping small livestock safe during severe cold, preparing well when shearing small livestock in winter and watching out for livestock diseases during autumn. A little preparation now can save significant losses later in the season.
A final word
Winter weather is an unavoidable part of farming, but preparation can reduce risk significantly. By focusing on shelter, nutrition, vaccination, parasite control and biosecurity, farmers can help ensure their livestock remain healthy and productive throughout the colder months.
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