Over 70% of North Dakota is currently experiencing some degree of drought. Producers are reporting that livestock water sources are drying up across much of the state or reaching toxic levels of total dissolved solids and sulfates. These conditions have prompted many livestock producers to supplement water to mitigate issues with water quality and/or availability.

“While they may be convenient, using tanks to haul or supplement water that have previously been used to haul fertilizer or pesticides poses a serious poison risk to cattle, sheep and goats,” says Lacey Quail, North Dakota State University Extension livestock management specialist.

Urea or nitrogen is often a major component of commercial fertilizers. As a part of normal digestion in ruminants, microbes convert urea and nitrogen to ammonia, which is used to make protein; however, excess ammonia produced by a sudden increase in intake is absorbed and quickly becomes toxic.

“Clinical signs of ammonia toxicosis can occur in as little as 20 minutes postexposure in cattle,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian.

These signs can include muscle tremors (particularly in the face and ears), abdominal pain, frothy salivation, frequent urination and teeth grinding. This can progress to incoordination, weakness, seizures and respiratory distress. Affected cattle can become agitated and aggressive. Sheep will usually appear depressed. Death usually occurs within two hours in cattle and four hours in sheep. Insecticide poisoning can cause similar signs in cattle, depending on the chemical. Cholinergic signs (salivation, watery eyes, urination and diarrhea) may also be present.

Diagnosis of ammonia toxicosis is usually based on a history of access to high levels of urea or ammonia in feed or water and observation of symptoms. With the rapid progression of cases, the first observed sign may be dead livestock.

If identified early, oral tubing of 5% acetic acid (vinegar) and ice-cold water can help slow ammonia absorption, says Dr. Galbreath. Repeat treatment may be necessary, as well as supportive care such as IV fluids and antiseizure medication. Surgery to remove rumen contents (rumenotomy) can be an option to prevent further ammonia absorption.

For insecticide poisoning, treatment typically consists of medications to reverse cholinergic signs and control seizures, activated charcoal to prevent further absorption, and supportive care. Producers who suspect fertilizer or insecticide ingestion should remove the potential source and contact a veterinarian immediately.

Because poisoning can occur rapidly, diligent management and prevention are key, according to NDSU Extension specialists. Any container that has once stored, transported or mixed any fertilizer, insecticide or treated seed should not be used to transport water or as a water tank for livestock. Rinsing and washing these containers does not make them suitable for livestock use, and poisoning can still occur.

Quail recommends that producers have containers and tanks for livestock use only, to avoid poisoning. The same recommendation applies to buckets, hoses, feed troughs and loaders.

Investments in livestock water supply projects will also improve an operation’s drought resilience and enhance livestock performance.

“If you are a livestock producer experiencing shortages of good quality water for your livestock, there are some programs available that provide financial assistance for livestock water hauling and water development,” says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has an Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program, which provides assistance for water hauling in qualifying counties. Information about the ELAP program is available at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/disaster-recovery/emergency-assistance-livestock-honeybees-farm-raised-fish-elap.

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources has also recently activated a water supply project assistance program for livestock producers impacted by the drought. Information about the assistance program is available at https://www.swc.nd.gov/project_development/drought_disaster_livestock.html.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Aug. 25, 2026

Source: Lacey Quail, 701-831-0414, lacey.quail@ndsu.edu

Source: Jake Galbreath, 701-231-5738, j.galbreath@ndsu.edu

Source: Miranda Meehan, 701-219-9251, miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu