After a wildfire, evaluating livestock and treating them becomes crucial.
The School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis provides a comprehensive guide about how to assess and treat livestock with a variety of smoke and wildfire complications.
Quick Facts about Smoke
- Smoke is made up of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, soot, hydrocarbons and other organic substances including nitrogen oxides and trace minerals.
- Particulates from smoke tend to be very small (less than one micron in diameter), which allows these to reach the deepest airways within the lung.
- The effects of smoke are similar for humans and livestock: irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, aggravation of chronic lung diseases, and reduced lung function.
- Particulates can also alter the immune system and reduce the ability of the lungs to remove foreign materials, such as pollen and bacteria, to which livestock are normally exposed.
![Wildfires, Smoke, and Livestock 1920x1080-2](https://emergencymanagement.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Wildfires-Smoke-and-Livestock-1920x1080-2.png)
Protect and Treat Livestock from Smoke
- Limit exercise when smoke is visible
- Provide plenty of water
- Limit exposure to dust
- Give livestock 4-6 weeks to heal from smoke-induced airway insult
- Consult your veterinarian if your animals continue to experience problems with smoke-induced respiratory injury
Treat Livestock from Wildfire
- Burn injuries will continue to progress and may even worsen for 6 weeks following initial injury
- Burn shock is treated by a veterinarian with intravenous fluids, balanced electrolytes, or possibly plasma for valuable animals
- Topical treatment of silver sulfadiazine helps burned areas of the eyes and skin. Desitin® ointment also provides some protection.
- Approved medications for pain relief may be obtained through a licensed veterinarian
- Reassess livestock on a daily basis. The ability to eat and drink are good indicators if the animal is not healing.
Learn more about protecting and treating livestock from smoke and wildfire.