As hurricane season ramps up in Texas, so do threats to livestock health. Beyond downed fences and flooded pastures, contaminated floodwater can quietly set the stage for dangerous skin infections in cattle, horses, sheep and goats.
June marks the start of hurricane season, and each year the southern United States experiences increasingly intense and frequent storms. When severe weather strikes, animals rely on their owners to keep them safe.
“Before a disaster, it’s best to have an evacuation plan,” said Brandon Dominguez, section head of veterinary services at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL. “Removing animals from high-risk areas early can help prevent injuries and reduce prolonged exposure to floodwaters, which is often where we see skin infections. Prevention really begins before the storm hits.”
For 12 years, Dominguez served on the deployable Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team, providing medical and rescue assistance to animals affected by disasters. Dominguez now supports their recovery from TVMDL, guiding diagnostic efforts to reveal the hidden health impacts of disasters.
Contaminated floodwaters pose immediate risks
Aside from environmental damage, floodwaters introduce a wide range of toxic and bacterial hazards to animals, especially those standing in stagnant water for extended periods.
“People store a range of potentially hazardous products in their garages, barns or tool sheds,” Dominguez said. “There’s always some chemicals and poisons that leak into the floodwater.”
Additionally, he warns about bacterial contamination emerging from sewage and septic systems during storms.
Bacterial infections after the flood
Even after the floodwaters dry up, the threat of infection lingers, and a veterinary visit can make all the difference. Diagnostic tests and timely care can prevent long-term problems in livestock — especially when it comes to managing the consequences of prolonged water exposure.
Within just a few hours, skin can begin to break down, opening the door to bacterial infections and other complications.
“If animals are in that water for even a short time, they can have issues with something like cellulitis or dermatophilosis, which can become systemic really quick,” Dominguez said. “The longer an animal is in water, the softer and more permeable the skin is going to get.”
Both cellulitis and dermatophilosis — also known as rain rot or rain scald — are bacterial skin infections that often emerge under wet or humid conditions. These infections are usually triggered when the skin’s natural barrier is compromised or damaged, allowing bacteria to invade.
The pathogens may enter through cuts, scrapes, punctures or even insect bites. However, Dominguez points out that even without an injury, bacteria and other unwanted materials can still make their way into organ systems.
“It’s kind of like sitting in the bathtub for too long,” he said. “Because your skin gets softer, your pores open up, and it’s easier for things like bacteria to pass through.”
Livestock with these skin infections may show signs of hair loss, scabs, redness, weakness and decreased production rates.
Foot rot and deeper risks from floodwater
Another common concern is foot rot, a painful bacterial infection affecting both split-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and goats, as well as “single-toed” animals like horses and donkeys.
This infection results in lameness, swelling and redness. If left untreated, foot rot can worsen, leading to chronic lameness and substantial weight loss.
“After removing the animals from the scene and immediately washing and decontaminating, it’s a good idea to get the vet out there to treat any wounds and take samples for diagnostics,” Dominguez said.
Because bacterial skin infections can mimic fungal or other types of infections, veterinary diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Veterinary partnerships make the difference
Along with damaging skin issues, flooding and severe weather also increase the risk of insect-borne illnesses and soil-related infections. After any natural disaster, livestock owners should prioritize a post-flood health check with their veterinarian.
Working alongside veterinarians, experts at TVMDL can assist livestock owners through a range of diagnostic testing. For information about the laboratory’s veterinary diagnostic services, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call the College Station laboratory at 888-646-5623 or the Canyon laboratory at 888-646-5624.
