Increased Livestock Damage Due to Heat Wave, 7.6 Times Higher Than Last Year

Due to the ongoing heat wave across the nation, livestock mortality has significantly increased.

According to the 'Daily Status Report on National Safety Management' released by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the 10th, a total of 160,123 livestock were reported dead in just one day on the 8th.

In particular, among the deceased livestock, poultry accounted for the majority at 158,600, while 2,117 pigs were reported dead.

The damage to livestock caused by this heat wave shows a staggering increase of 7.6 times compared to the same period last year, exacerbating the difficulties faced by livestock farmers.

Projections for Damage Due to Continued Heat Wave

From May 20 to August 8 of this year, the total number of livestock deaths was recorded at 379,475, which is a significant increase compared to 49,799 during the same period last year.

As the heat wave continues, livestock damage is expected to rise even further.

According to weather forecasts, the highest temperature on the 10th is expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius, and extremely hot weather is projected to continue, especially in western regions and inland areas, with effective perceived temperatures around 35 degrees.

Additionally, many areas, especially in the western regions and Jeju Island, are expected to experience tropical nights, necessitating increased vigilance in livestock management.

Livestock farmers need to prepare thorough management measures to cope with the heat wave, and urgent government support measures should also be established.

Image source: Reference photos to aid understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank