Four calf deaths after record-breaking heatwave - Jersey Evening Post
by Christie Bailey · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Four calf deaths after record-breaking heatwave
by Christie Bailey 7 July 20266 July 2026
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A JERSEY dairy farm has spoken of its heartbreak after losing four calves to pneumonia in the aftermath of the Island’s recent heatwave.
In a post on social media, Clairval Organic Dairy Farm confirmed several calves became ill after the period of record-breaking temperatures last month.
The heatwave in June saw a daily maximum above 28°C for five consecutive days, including an all-time record high of 39.3°C on 26 June and three “tropical nights” where the mercury did not fall below 20°C.
The farm said that despite the efforts of its veterinary team and staff, four calves – Leonidas, Ahsoka, Maybelle and Dream Lady – died during the extreme heat, which weakened the animals’ immune systems and left them vulnerable to infection.
Clairval Organic Dairy Farm wrote: “Some days, farming breaks your heart. Following the recent heatwave, several of our calves developed pneumonia. Heat stress can weaken a calf’s immune system, leaving it much more vulnerable to infection in the days that follow.”
The farm paid tribute to its veterinary team and staff, including a member of the team who had spent late nights bottle-feeding the calves with electrolyte solution in an effort to save them.
Describing the animals as “loved”, the post added: “They will be deeply missed. Sleep peacefully, little ones. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
The post prompted an outpouring of support on social media, attracting hundreds of reactions and comments from Islanders offering condolences to the farm and its staff.
Heat stress is recognised as a significant welfare issue for livestock during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Heat can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of disease, including respiratory infections such as pneumonia, particularly in young calves.
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