With the recent flooding livestock producers need to check their wells to make sure the water is safe for animals to drink. Flood waters entering the well bore can contain contaminants such as E. coli bacteria that can be harmful to livestock. SDSU assistant professor Dr. Jeppe Kjaersgaard, says farmers should send a water sample in for bacteria testing.
Kjaersgaard says cattle have more immunity to the bacteria in water than other livestock species.
If testing indicates high levels of bacteria in well water farmers can use a method called shock chlorination to treat the contaminants.