2,000 cattle died of heat, humidity in US state of Kansas: Official

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - High temperatures and humidity killed at least 2,000 cattle last weekend in the US state of Kansas, according to authorities on Thursday.

Matt Lara, communications director of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, told Anadolu Agency that the deaths occurred in the southwest part of the state.

"This number is representative of the facilities that have contacted our agency to assist with disposal," said Lara. "The combination of high temperatures, humidity and not a lot of wind made it difficult for the cows to stay cool."

According to multiple reports, Kansas has the third-largest cattle farming industry in the US, behind Texas and Nebraska.

Reuters reported temperatures hit 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) in northwest Kansas by Monday, citing Drew Lerner, president of World Weather Inc.

Temperatures are expected to near 110 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Kansas this weekend.