Assessing bushfire burns in livestock

This Primefact is provided as a guide for those staff assessing livestock burnt as a result of bushfires. The short-term and long-term welfare of stock is the prime concern, although many factors need to be considered when assessing burnt livestock. 

Advisors and assessors must be mindful of the impact of the fire on the livestock owners. Some landholders may be in a state of shock or euphoria after having experienced or survived the disaster. In this state they may not be able to make rational decisions especially ones that are in their stocks' long term interest. Repeat assessment of the livestock and continuing support for the owners will often need to be considered and/or provided. This Primefact looks at:

• options for dealing with burnt livestock;
• how to assess burn injuries;
• delayed phase;
• nursing burnt stock;
• methods of destruction;
• assistance in the destruction and disposal of stock.