As prolonged flooding continues to be a major problem for the Somerset Levels and surrounding areas, the potential impact on the region’s livestock is becoming apparent.

“While short-term flooding can be beneficial for farm land, this prolonged flooding with increasingly contaminated water significantly increases the risks livestock will face in the months’ ahead," explained Sophie Dunkerley, AEGIS London’s class underwriter for livestock.

“In addition to any stress caused by transportation, cattle and sheep may be grazing on land that is polluted or stripped of its natural vegetation, thus encouraging them to venture further to find food, possibly resorting to (potentially poisonous) plants outside their normal diet.

“We may see increased occurrences of diseases such as pneumonia, listeria and black leg in cattle. With local farmers’ finances badly affected by the flooding, the slaughter of diseased animals may be more cost effective than treating them.

“What we really need is a cold spell and then a long, hot summer to dry the Somerset Levels, thus killing off many of the microbes and insects that cause disease.”

The National Farmers' Union of England and Wales says government must learn important lessons from the severe flooding that is continuing to damage many rural communities – not just in Somerset but across the country.

Farmers are prepared to play their part in finding solutions to avoiding and managing flooding, NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond said, but the backlog of investment needed to maintain our key rivers is the clear responsibility of public bodies such as Internal Drainage Boards and the Environment Agency, which are best placed to deliver the levels of maintenance that are so desperately needed.

“Above all, the country needs to be in a position where flooding can be managed for both urban and rural communities, to minimise the disruption and devastation that is taking place in several regions, affecting our homes, rural communities, businesses and wildlife,” Raymond said.

Flood water risks

•Can spoil stored animal feeds like hay or render it harmful

•Kills the vegetation that farmers use for grazing and feed production

•Contains harmful chemicals, bacteria and pollutants, which will be deposited on fields and pastures

•Contains plastic and metal debris that will injure animals, especially if swallowed

•Creates the conditions in which disease becomes a higher risk

•Encourages parasites and insect pests

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