Australia Fires: Livestock Assessment Begins, Feed Needed

Thehorse.com - Full article

by: Erin Ryder, TheHorse.com News Editor
February 09 2009, Article # 13589

Recovery from the recent fires in the Australian state of Victoria is just beginning. The fires burned an estimated 850 square miles. According to the state's Department of Primary Industries, Victoria produces around 26% of Australia's agriculture and food from 3% of Australia's arable land.

According to a statement on the DPI Web site, livestock assessment teams will go into affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so. They will also asses other losses, and are working with the Victorian Farmers Federation to arrange for emergency feed.

Senior DPI veterinarian and Manager of Animal Health Field Services, Lloyd Klumpp said farmers have three major options:

* Destroy immediately--if the animal is down, unable to walk, has excessive burns, swelling of limbs, or difficulty breathing.
* Keep and nurse--if the animal is mobile and alert or has burns to less than 10% of its body. These animals will need shade, water, feed, daily inspection, and veterinary advice and treatment. They will also need constant reassessment.
* No apparent damage--Livestock will still need shade water and feed and they will also need to be reassessed.

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