Bushfires - Livestock Safety and Recovery
Here is information about bushfire preparation and recovery for livestock.
Information about bushfire preparation and recovery for livestock.
Emergency Livestock Safety During Bushfires
- Hold livestock in livestock in large irrigated paddocks that are heavily grazed or have been ploughed
- Hold livestock in large, clear stockyards, laneways or holding yards
- Move livestock to paddocks with large dams, ensuring earth mounds are built on the fire-facing sides.
- Secure gates open to allow access between connected paddocks
- Ensure livestock have access to an ample water supply
- Clear and maintain firebreaks around all livestock holding areas
- Ensure your Property Identification Code (PIC) is up to date
(Above information sourced from NSW DPI, Country Fire Authority, PIRSA and adapted by AWI)
State Based Bushfire Assistance
New South Wales
Livestock Assistance
- State recovery assistance services
- Prepare your rural property for bushfires
- Bushfire recovery for land managers
- Fodder requests and donations: call Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647
- Stock loss and assessment: call Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647
Mental Health Support
- NSW Mental Health Line call 1800 011 511
- Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)
Queensland
Livestock Assistance
- State recovery assistance services
- Disaster recovery support
- Fodder requests and donations or call 1800 623 946
Mental Health Support
South Australia
Livestock Assistance
- South Australia Country Fire Service (CFS) – Plan and prepare
- Government of SA Bushfire resources
- Fodder requests and donations: call Livestock SA on 0419 035 459
- Stock loss and assessment or call PIRSA on 1800 255 556
Mental Health Support
Tasmania
Livestock Assistance
- State recovery assistance services
- Livestock animal welfare during bushfires or call DNRE on 03 6165 3777
- Where to purchase fodder
Mental Health Support
Victoria
Livestock Assistance
- VFF Emergency services
- Fodder requests, donations and agistment or call Victorian Farmers Federation 1300 882 833
- Stock loss and assessment: call Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226
Mental Health Support
Financial Assistance Services
Western Australia
Livestock Assistance
Financial Assistance Services
- Disaster Recovery funding arrangements
- Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) Recovery Funding
- Rural West for Financial & Management Support or call 1800 612 004
Mental Health Support
- Rural health, financial and information services support directory
- Crisis Care counselling service or call 1800 199 008
- Mental Health Emergency Response Line or call 1300 555 788
The Yarn: Bushfires: Emergency Livestock Safety and Recovery
Catastrophic fire conditions across the nation have put emergency livestock management into sharp focus. Qualified veterinarian and AWI General Manager of Research, Dr Jane Littlejohn, offers immediate advice to those who have been affected.
Recovering from drought and bushfire
If you have recently received rainfall or have been affected by bushfires, you may be considering purchasing sheep. However, it is important to ensure you are not also buying a range of unwanted problems. This document outlines key issues to consider when purchasing sheep and includes links to relevant AWI and external resources.
Soil Health and Pasture Recovery After a Fire
Significant bushfire events can leave paddocks bare at times of the year when they are most susceptible to erosion. In the immediate aftermath of bushfires, landholders have several management options available to help mitigate the risk of soil erosion in bare paddocks and speed up the regeneration of productive feed.
Managing Sheep in Containment Areas After Fire
Containment feeding refers to the “maintenance” feeding of sheep in contained areas and can be a valuable tool for managing sheep after a fire.
Stock Water: Limited Resource After Fire
After a fire, knowing the quantity, quality and reliability of stock water is essential.
Livestock Safety During Bushfires
Guidance prepared by PIRSA outlines how to help ensure the safety of your livestock during bushfires. While caring for livestock and other animals before and after a bushfire is essential, personal safety should be considered as the first priority.
Make sure your Bushfire Survival Plan is current and easily accessible.
Other Resources
