Volcanic ash poses threat to Iceland's livestock

It's not just the airlines that are feeling the fallout from the erupting volcano in Iceland. The toxic ash is also affecting livestock on the island.  Fifteen percent of Iceland's cattle, 6 percent of its sheep and 17 percent of horses are in the vicinity of the volcano, reports The Land. The lambing season has begun on some farms, and sheep cannot be let out due to volcanic ash in the atmosphere and on the ground. A few poultry and pig farms are in the area, but ash fall can create major problems for those farms because they rely on air conditioning. The greatest emphasis has been placed on guaranteeing livestock access to clean water and sufficient food. Iceland's Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has established a special task force to respond to the impact of the eruption on agriculture and to organize efforts in case livestock cannot be let out in the coming spring. (Read more)