Mother Nature is unleashing her despised cousin — Jack Frost — as below-zero temperatures are forecast for a good portion of the United States. Though most U.S. hogs are raised in environmentally controlled barns, there are some that do not have the luxury of comfortable dwellings. Some hog farms are also diversified with other livestock such as cattle, and what good farm doesn’t have a loyal man’s best friend?

Animal care is a top priority, regardless the weather, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is one of the many agencies warning pet and livestock owners to protect their animals during extreme cold.

“The most important part is preserving the lives of your animals, but preparing now can also save you time and money on health-related costs,” says Yvonne Bellay, DATCP humane program veterinarian. “Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries. Harsh conditions can also weaken their immune systems leaving them vulnerable to illness.”

Owners should focus on three key areas.

More information about caring for animals in cold weather conditions is available through the following resources.

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association

American Veterinary Medical Association

DATCP’s Division of Animal Health monitors animal health and disease threats, promotes humane treatment of animals and provides licensing and registration regulation for animals in Wisconsin. For more information about caring for animals in extreme weather visit DATCP’s website.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.