# Balkans heat wave impacts on animals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkans-heat-wave-impacts-on-animals
> Updated: 2026-08-06T01:30:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

In early August 2026 a prolonged heat wave swept across the Balkans, first reported in Slovenia and then in Croatia. Extreme temperatures and drought stressed pollinators, bees, butterflies, pets and local wildlife, prompting authorities to advise simple measures such as providing shaded water sources, planting nectar‑rich native flora and avoiding insecticides.

The following day similar conditions were documented in Croatia, where pastures dried and water became scarce. Livestock—including cattle, horses, sheep and poultry—suffered heat stress and mortality, while wild birds faced dehydration and reduced breeding success. Officials urged shallow water dishes for birds and drilling wells, though many wells failed to supply enough water.

By 6 August the impacts intensified. Farmers in Croatia, Bosnia‑Herzegovina, Serbia and Turkey reported livestock drinking up to twice their normal water volumes, eating less, and incurring higher production costs. On farms near Donja Gračenica more than ten young animals drowned in mud as surface water was the only source. Water consumption on some farms rose from 40 to 70 m³ per day, leading to installation of large fans and additional wells. Public‑health guidance highlighted the risk of dehydration from alcohol‑based drinks and recommended electrolyte‑rich beverages such as kefir for humans and animals.

The heat also threatened agriculture. Vineyard growers in Croatia warned that without rain the grape harvest could be markedly reduced and the season may start earlier; a single heavy rain on 3 July delivered only 18 litres, described as a “lifesaver”. Livestock farmers reported milk yields falling up to 30 % and egg production expected to drop 20‑30 % as animals drank almost double their usual water. Rewilding Velebit transported 16 000 litres of water to four mountain drinking points to support bears, foxes, wild boar and other wildlife.

## Claims

- Prolonged heat and drought in Croatia risk reducing grape yields. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Livestock in Croatia are drinking nearly double their usual water consumption due to heat. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than ten young animals died in mud in Donja Gračenica because of water shortage. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Health experts advise drinking water and limiting alcohol during heat waves to avoid dehydration. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Milk production in Croatia has dropped up to 30 % because of heat stress. (single source)
- Egg production is expected to fall 20‑30 % due to high temperatures. (single source)
- Rewilding Velebit delivered 16 000 litres of water to four wildlife drinking points. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Croatian heat wave endangers vineyards, livestock and wildlife

Croatia’s heat wave threatens grape yields, cuts milk and egg output, causes livestock to double water intake, leads to wildlife deaths, and prompts water deliveries to animals.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-heat-wave-endangers-livestock-and-wild-birds

### 2026-08-05: Slovenian heat wave prompts advice to protect bees, pets and wildlife

Slovenian heat wave endangers bees, pets and wildlife; experts advise water dishes, shade, native flowers and avoiding pesticides, while police urge owners to keep animals hydrated and cool.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenian-heat-wave-prompts-advice-to-protect-bees-pets-and-wildlife

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Cite as: Balkans heat wave impacts on animals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkans-heat-wave-impacts-on-animals