Cows die from pneumonia after heatwave damage

Four cows have died after their immune systems were damaged by record-breaking heat, a farm has confirmed.

Clairval Organic Dairy Farm said several of its calves became unwell with pneumonia after June's heatwave, which saw the island's warmest temperatures since 1894.

"Despite the dedicated care of our veterinary team and everyone here at Clairval, in the past week we've sadly lost Leonidas, Ahsoka, Maybelle and Dream Lady," the farm said.

It added: "They were loved, they were my joy every morning when I entered the barn, they will be deeply missed. Sleep peacefully, little ones."

The farm said heat stress could weaken a calf's immune system, leaving it vulnerable to infection in the days that follow.

Last month, Jersey Met said temperatures soared to a record-breaking 39.3°C (102.7F).

The heatwave between 21 to 25 June had four consecutive days with temperatures of 30C (86F) or more.

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