Cattle dead in Kansas

2022 - 6 - 17

Post cover — Image courtesy of "FactCheck.org"

Kansas Cattle Died After Unusual Heat Wave, Contrary to Baseless ... (FactCheck.org)

The bovine deaths were followed by a wave of baseless claims online. A video of apparently dead cattle has been circulating — here's one example shared by a ...

As for the number of cattle that have died in Kansas, it’s unclear. Cattle usually accumulate a heat load during the day, Capoun said, then lose that body heat overnight. Our previous stories can be found here. Editor’s note: FactCheck.org is one of several organizations working with Facebook to debunk misinformation shared on social media. But an industry trade publication has reported that an estimated 10,000 have died. As of Jan. 1, there were 6.5 million cattle in Kansas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. In either case, it’s still a relatively low percentage of the total number of cattle in the state. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has reported at least 2,000 deaths, which is based on information from the facilities that have contacted the agency to assist with disposal, Lara told us. A video of apparently dead cattle has been circulating — here’s one example shared by a Facebook user who called himself “ Conspiracy Joey.” And claims suggesting that the deaths might be linked to a larger conspiracy theory about supposed disruptions to the food supply have been spreading on social media. Since then, at least 2,000 cattle have died, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Agency spokesman Matt Lara told us in an emailed statement that the weather had “made it difficult for the cows to stay cool.” At least 2,000 cattle have died following a heat wave in southwestern Kansas. Although the cattle apparently died of heatstroke, social media posts have made baseless claims suggesting that the deaths might be part of a larger conspiracy theory about the food supply. Sam Capoun, spokeswoman for the Kansas Livestock Association, explained to FactCheck.org in an interview that the heat, humidity and lack of wind created the “perfect storm” for heatstroke in cattle.

The Worst of Kansas' Mass Cattle Deaths Is Likely Over (Newsweek)

Earlier this week, a viral video captured thousands of dead cattle on the ground across different farms in the state.

This is not normal for this area, which typically sees low-humidity and plenty of wind." Her statement also noted that during this time of year in Kansas, heat stress is a concern for cattle producers, and efforts are taken to limit these types of incidents. Officials previously said that high heat and humidity led to the deaths.

At least 2000 cattle die after extreme heat bakes Kansas (WANE)

HASKELL COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) — At least 2,000 head of cattle died during the heat in southwest Kansas last weekend, an estimated $4 million loss.

Heat stress blamed for thousands of cattle deaths in Kansas (PBS NewsHour)

The cattle deaths have sparked unsubstantiated reports on social media and elsewhere that something besides the weather is at play, but Kansas agriculture ...

“This is a one in 10-year, 20-year type event. And the worst may be over. Agency spokesman Matt Lara said he expects that number to rise as more feedlots report losses from this week’s heat wave. “We have water and sprinklers here to help mitigate heat and the heat wave,” Payne said, but “we don’t have any control over that pesky Mother Nature.” Federal disaster programs will help some producers who incurred a loss, she added. The final toll remains unclear, but as of Thursday at least 2,000 heat-related deaths had been reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state agency that assists in disposing of carcasses.

Shocking Footage Shows Thousands Of Dead Cattle In Kansas ... (NDTV)

According to US weather experts, heatwaves in the country have steadily gone up by frequency, duration and intensity in four decades since the 1960s.

USA Today said that the cattle died over the weekend due to high humidity levels. The European Environment Agency (EAA) estimates that heatwaves in 32 European countries between 1980 and 2000 cost 27 to 70 billion euros. The video shows thousands of dead cattle lying dead across a ranch.

Veterinarians work to quash misinformation about SW Kansas cattle ... (KWCH)

Veterinarians in southwest Kansas say there is a lot of misinformation circulating online in connection with thousands of sudden cattle deaths.

We also have to make sure that we take care of our people when it comes to those things. What happened to the thousands of cattle found dead is referred to as a heat stress event. This was followed by a sharp spike in temperatures to 100-plus degrees with excessive humidity and no wind. Dr. Lindberg said overnight temperatures didn’t dip low enough to help. The livestock experts say though the situation is rare, it isn’t unheard of and there is no big mystery or conspiracy. Video of dead cattle has gained national attention along with confirmation that at least 2,000 cattle in southwest Kansas feed lots died from heat stress.

Thousands of cattle suddenly die in Kansas, officials say. What's to ... (Charlotte Observer)

Thousands of cows have recently died in Kansas due to heat stress, officials say. Rising temperatures are a threat to the cattle industry.

“Normally western and southwestern Kansas is an arid part of the state. Cattle are generally hardy animals and able to handle heat, but there’s a limit. “This is a very unique and unfortunate event,” Hagins said.