Dairy cattle on B.C. farm suffering from pneumonia after being stuck in floodwater
Their dairy cattle all survived the flooding on Sumas Prairie.
But now, there’s a new problem for some of the animals on the Doppenberg farm: Pneumonia.
“Some animals, especially the younger calves are having issue with pneumonia because they were in water a couple hours,” said dairy farmer James Doppenberg.
On Tuesday, a vet was at their farm, checking on the cattle.
“Its stressful, especially for the younger ones if they’ve been flooded and they’ve been standing in water for any amount of time. They’re more affected by things,” explained veterinarian John Dick.
When the first flooding hit the farm a couple weeks ago, the cold water came up fast.
“I would say it was up to (the calves’) necks,” said Laurie Doppenberg, who works with her husband and son James on the farm.
At one point, the Doppenbergs, desperate to get their calves somewhere safe, moved them into the basement of their home.
Then the house started flooding. They scrambled to get the calves to higher ground.
But some animals have since fallen sick with pneumonia. The vet said despite what they’ve been through, the animals are faring well.
For the Doppenbergs and others in the area, flooding has been a constant focus over the last two weeks.
There are many flooded and damaged roads on Sumas Prairie. Fields remain swallowed up by flood waters.
“I’m trying to be positive and hopeful because I sure do not want to move those animals again,” Laurie said. Thousands of animals were rescued from Sumas Prairie after the first flooding a couple weeks ago. Some farmers have since been able to move their herds back.
While farmers focus on what’s ahead, the community rallies behind them.
Gateway Community Church in Abbotsford has turned a space in their church into a donation centre.
“It is amazing. We are getting people phoning constantly about ‘What do you need? Where can we donate? How can we help?'” explained Milt Walker, who is in charge of food distribution at the church.
He said donations have come from throughout the Lower Mainland.
“We’ve probably had two or three tonnes of food come in” Walker said.
He said all the food being donated is being distributed. Volunteers are also delivering meals to those who need them.
With the water rising again in some parts of Abbotsford, the offers of support from the community are bringing hope to those who need it most.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.