Reports from the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ike estimate that nearly 20,000 head of cattle and horses have been displaced in both Chambers and Jefferson counties. These horses and cattle are in immediate need of hay and fresh drinking water because of salt water contamination of feed and water supplies caused by the storm surge.
Contributions of hay, water troughs, feed stuffs such as range cubes, or cash contributions are needed to help keep these livestock alive according to a request made by Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sulvia to the State Operations Center.
Downed fences and the search for fresh drinking water has led many of these horses and cattle that survived the flooding conditions to head north in search food and water.
White's Memorial Park at State Highway 61, south of Interstate 10 near Anahuac is serving as the staging and distribution point for hay and feed resources. According to reports, many of the displaced cattle are in areas along State Highway 73.
Storm surges up to 20 feet caused flooding, killing many cattle and destroying fences in the process. Round bales of hay have been dispersed along some farm to market roads in areas where cattle are known to be displaced.
Coordinating efforts to aid these cattle are AgriLife Extension in cooperation with the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Department of Agriculture, Independent Cattleman's Association, Texas 2-1-1, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Southwest Cattleraisers Association, Governor's Division of Emergency Management State Operations Center and Chambers County officials.
If you would like to make a tax deductible cash or credit card donation call 979-845-2604 or go to http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu and follow the prompts to "No Fences" Hurricane Ike Horse and Cattle Relief.
To make a donation of hay, feed, water troughs, transportation or other in kind donations, call the Texas Department of Agriculture's Hay Hotline 1-877-429-1998 or 1-800-835-5832 and press zero.
There has already been one donation of hay sent from Smith County to the flood recovery area. If you would like to become involved and have more questions, please feel free to give me a call at (903) 590 - 2980.
