Periods of high rainfall present a unique set of challenges for livestock producers, particularly those managing grazing systems and open camps. The conditions created by persistent wet weather, ranging from muddy kraals and saturated bedding to an increased risk of disease, demand proactive management.
To help farmers safeguard animal health, prevent losses, and sustain productivity throughout the rainy season, Ernest Makua, livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), outlines essential practices.
Makua explains, “It’s very important for farmers to prepare for the rainy season. With the right planning and management, they can prevent major losses and maintain the productivity of their herds.”
The key to reducing livestock stress and preventing avoidable losses lies in proper preparation and proactive management. By implementing the practical dos and don’ts that follow, farmers can maintain healthy, productive herds, even under the most challenging weather conditions.
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DO: Prepare early for the rainy season
Vaccinate livestock well in advance.
Diseases such as lumpy skin disease tend to increase during wet months. Farmers are advised to vaccinate before the start of the season to ensure full immunity.
“If you only vaccinate during the rainy season, the farmers shouldn’t be surprised when they see some of the cattle start to have symptoms. It’s not because the medication is not working, it’s because they vaccinated too late,” Makua explains.
Plan grazing rotation ahead of time.
Identify camps with good drainage and strong grass cover before the rains arrive. Moving animals strategically prevents overgrazing and reduces the risk of soil damage.
Inspect infrastructure and equipment.
Ensure kraals, roofs, shelters, and drainage systems are ready to handle prolonged wet periods. Regular maintenance reduces damage and prevents contamination of feeding areas.
DON’T: Leave animals in wet or muddy areas
Avoid waterlogged and compacted soils.
Animals standing in mud for long periods often develop foot rot, abscesses, and joint injuries. “The mud increases the risk of foot problems, causing the animals discomfort,” Makua warns.
Do not ignore bare or eroded patches.
Wet, compacted areas can lose vegetation quickly, leading to erosion and reduced grazing quality in future seasons. “After continuous rainfall, nutrient leaching and waterlogging can reduce grazing quality. Supplying balanced feed ensures consistent weight gain and milk production.”
DO: Maintain clean, dry and comfortable camps
Provide adequate shelter or shade.
Temporary shelters or natural tree cover can protect animals from continuous rainfall and cold winds.
Use dry bedding materials such as straw.
Bedding helps reduce direct contact with wet soil and prevents hoof or joint infections.
Rotate animals between camps.
Moving herds regularly helps the land recover and minimises the build-up of mud and parasites. “Rotation is important not only for animal comfort but also to avoid soil erosion and overgrazing in waterlogged areas,” Makua says.
Raise feeding and watering areas.
Feed placed directly on wet ground can spoil quickly and cause digestive problems. “If the feed is wet, it may not be good for consumption and could cause bloating or digestive issues.”
Allow ventilation.
Adequate airflow is necessary to reduce dampness and control respiratory infections. “Keeping shelters well ventilated prevents the build-up of dampness and limits respiratory issues during the rainy season.”
DON’T: Handle animals during storms
Avoid working with livestock during heavy rain or lightning.
Handling wet metal gates, troughs, or tools increases the risk of electrocution “It’s risky for both farmers and animals,” Makua cautions.
Keep animals away from tall trees and metal fences.
These structures can attract lightning strikes. “Moving herds to lower ground or sheltered areas during storms protects them from both rainfall and lightning.”
DO: Strengthen biosecurity measures
Quarantine sick animals immediately.
Isolating affected animals prevents disease spread within the herd. “Farmers need to ensure that they quarantine the sick animals daily. That will help a lot in terms of recovery if one of the animals has got diseases,” Makua advises.
Clean and disinfect kraals and equipment regularly.
Wet, humid conditions promote bacterial and viral growth, making daily hygiene critical. “Limit visitors and avoid equipment sharing with other farms during the wet periods because that is one of the key transmission methods of diseases.”
Wear proper protective gear when handling animals.
Gloves, boots, and overalls are vital during calving or the treatment of sick livestock. “They need to protect themselves, especially during calving, because of some diseases.”
Control animal movement between wet and dry camps.
Moving animals can spread foot infections, parasites, and other diseases. “Clean and disinfect the kraals regularly, but also control movement of animals in between the camps because some animals can come from wet areas to dry areas and spread viruses,” Makua says.
Limit visitors and equipment sharing.
Shared tools and vehicles can carry pathogens between farms. “Avoid equipment sharing with other farms during wet periods.”
Maintain external parasite control through dipping.
High rainfall supports mosquito and tick populations, both of which can transmit serious diseases such as anaplasmosis and Rift Valley fever.
Keep up with deworming programmes.
Internal parasites such as wireworm thrive in moist conditions. Regular dosing ensures animals remain healthy and productive. “Farmers will have to use medication to inject their livestock against internal parasites,” Makua advises.
Do not delay treatment for visible symptoms.
Early intervention can prevent long-term damage or death. “The farmers need to look out for these symptoms so that they can deal with them early,” he says. Common signs include lameness, coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and diarrhoea.
DO: Manage grazing and soil carefully
Monitor grazing conditions and soil health.
Avoid grazing on saturated soil to prevent compaction and grass root damage.
Provide supplementary feed when pastures deteriorate.
Makua notes that after continuous rainfall, nutrient leaching and waterlogging can reduce grazing quality. Supplying balanced feed ensures consistent weight gain and milk production.
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