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Time a factor to saving Colorado livestock"We are taking a very aggressive approach to this operation," said Dr. John Maulsby, State Veterinarian. "Many animals across the southeast region of the state have now gone for almost a week without food and water. Our goal is to minimize the number of deaths caused by this storm." Colorado The Colorado Department of Agriculture continues to work diligently to protect livestock stranded by the recent blizzards. "We are taking a very aggressive approach to this operation," said Dr. John Maulsby, State Veterinarian. "Many animals across the southeast region of the state have now gone for almost a week without food and water. Our goal is to minimize the number of deaths caused by this storm." In general, cattle in good condition can live 5 to 10 days without food and water; the recent snowfall is also a significant factor in that timeline. Cattle need more calories to produce body heat so extra food and water is important for survival during cold temperatures. Also, if cattle are not eating snow, that could increase their chances of becoming dehydrated. "There are so many variables right now. The National Guard and state and local law enforcement officers are working to save as many animals as possible. We know the cattle are out there, we just need to get food and water to them," added Maulsby. The State Emergency Operations Center/Multi Agency Coordination Center located in Centennial has been operational since the early January storm began Dec. 28 with representatives from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Department of Transportation, State Patrol, Department of Military Affairs, Division of Fire Safety, Red Cross, Civil Air Patrol, local fire departments, and amateur radio operators. Clearing roadways for normal travel and feeding livestock cut off by the storm are major issues facing the state. Governor Owens has approved the use of resources necessary to get feed to livestock in the south and southeastern portions of the state. Currently, six helicopters out of Lamar are dropping hay to stranded cattle and performing aerial surveillance for additional herds. In addition, a C-130 military transport arrived in Pueblo Jan. 3 to help the efforts. So far, the C-130 plane has delivered 12 tons of hay with another 84 tons ready to be delivered. Generators are being utilized to help communities without electricity to pump water. Large tankers are also being used to deliver water to necessary locations. If livestock owners need assistance getting food and water to animals, it is recommended they call their local sheriff's office. More winter preparedness information may be found at: http://dola.colorado.gov/dem. Click on Winter Weather Preparedness Week. For information on road conditions in Colorado, go to: www.cotrip.org/. Date: 1/11/07
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