Heat and humidity kill at least 2000 cattle in U.S state of Kansas, officials say

Kansas officials said heat and humidity have killed thousands of cattle in recent days, and extreme high temperatures have continued to threaten livestock.

In addition to the deaths, many producers have reduced herds due to extreme drought, while feed costs have risen due to a tightening global grain supply that is a result of Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment are currently aware of at least 2,000 cattle deaths that are caused because of extreme high temperatures and humidity. According to the Department, the number represents the number of facilities that reached out to the agency for assistance in disposing of carcasses.


Kansas, with more than 2.4 million cattle in feedlots, is the third largest cattle state in the U.S. after Texas and Nebraska.

According to the Kansas Livestock Association, heat stress began to effect cattle. On Saturday, as temperatures and humidity soared in western Kansas. Animals weren't able to adjust to the unexpected change.

As of Monday, temperatures in northwest Kansas had reached 108 degrees Fahrenheit which equates to 42 degrees Celsius. There will be near 110 degrees in parts of western Kansas and the Texas panhandle this weekend, but higher winds and lower humidity levels are expected to keep cow deaths to a minimum. The animals are expected to suffer from oppressive heat and stress.

Ranchers provide extra water to cattle and check their health in order to survive.