Farmers have has expressed concern for the health and welfare of farm livestock in flood stricken areas of the country and have called for all mains water supplies to be restored at the earliest opportunity. Animals in Gloucestershire, where little provision of drinking water has been made for dairy cows and other livestock, are particularly at risk according to the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF).

RABDF chief executive Nick Everington commented: “Whilst we understand drinking water for humans is the top priority, we are extremely concerned about the well-being of farm livestock in areas with no mains water supply. Clearly huge numbers of businesses have been adversely affected by the floods, and we extend our sympathies to all those suffering from the unprecedented weather conditions.

“However, much like human victims, farm livestock need water to survive, and are unwilling to drink flood water because it is contaminated. They can however drink mains water supplies in areas where it has been restored, so we desperately urge that these facilities are reinstated as soon as possible.”