In several storm-ravaged counties, large numbers of cattle and horses caught in the storm surge either died or, with fences down, the animals became loose or stranded.

Many ranchers in the path of the storm reported livestock losses from 50-90pc, according to the Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas.

With fences destroyed, many of the cattle that survived the flood waters are now heading northward in search of fresh water and feed, said Tyler Fitzgerald, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent in Chambers County.

Contributions of hay, water troughs, feedstocks, such as range cubes, or cash contributions have been helping to keep the cattle alive.

Relief efforts, including providing water and hay to the remaining cattle, are underway, but ICA said roadways have been still obstructed, and fuel, trucks and trailers have been hard to come by.

The National Veterinary Response Team has been deployed by the federal government to assist in Texas recovery operations.

Animal response teams from both Florida and New Mexico have volunteered to provide assistance to Texas via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact system and are awaiting final authorization.