#WallowFire NMDA info on assistance for evacuated livestock

#WallowFire NMDA info on assistance for evacuated livestock

For Immediate Release
Contact: PIO - Noreen Jaramillo
June 9, 2011 email: njaramillo@nmda.nmsu.edu

Residents Strongly Urged to Evacuate Animals Impacted by Wallow Fire 

Assistance Available 

(Las Cruces, NM) New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), together with the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) and numerous  agriculture agencies are encouraging livestock owners to protect their animals affected by the massive Wallow fire burning along the New Mexico/Arizona border and move them out of harm’s way as soon as possible.   “These animals are not only being threatened by flames which may still be miles away, but we also need their owners to realize the heavy smoke in the air is an immediate danger,” said Bobby Pierce, New Mexico Livestock Board deputy director.  “All animals need to be protected, but horses are especially susceptible to serious respiratory problems caused by smoke. While humans can wear masks or go inside to protect themselves, these animals are out in the elements.”  

New Mexico Livestock Board inspectors and Catron county extension agents are on site in Reserve and Luna to help assist residents.   Members of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) are also ready to help. “New Mexico’s agricultural community is tight knit, so we have the trailers and manpower ready to load these animals and get them to safety, but even if residents have the means to transport their own animals, we strongly encourage they do so sooner than later.  There are designated livestock holding sites available,” stated Caren Cowan, New Mexico Cattle Grower’s executive director. 

Several designated livestock holding sites are available.  They are in Reserve, Quemado, Magdalena, and Glenwood.  Anyone who needs assistance with their livestock or who would like to learn where to take their animals, are asked to call the Catron County Sheriff’s Office at

575-533-6222. 

“We are here to help New Mexico’s agricultural community, and in this case, it’s helping to care for these animals.  That’s why we have coordinated efforts with agriculture groups and agencies, the Governor’s office, and the Emergency Operations Center to make sure we are proactive and move the livestock ahead of the fire and smoke.  We want to minimize the risk to the animals and our people assisting,” said Jeff Witte, NMDA director/secretary. 

  

Noreen Jaramillo

Public Information Officer

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Cell: 575-644-8607

Office: 575-646-2804

Fax: 575-646-8120