Addressing Health Concerns for Livestock During Wildfires

Hazy and smoky skies have presented health challenges for residents of the Northwest. Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Minden Buswell said it can also cause problems for livestock and that many of the pieces of advice you would want to take for yourself or your family, you would want to follow for your animals like limiting exercise and having access to water.

“The water helps maintain moist airways and that helps with breathing.  It also helps to make sure the cow has enough water to make sure their small airways can move smoke particles.  The moist airways help that.”

It also helps to sprinkle or mist livestock, provide low-dust or no-dust feeds to keep the airways clear.  Buswell said it's important to make good decisions once the smoke is cleared as well.

“You can’t start working them right after that.  You want to make sure their airways have time to recover.  And that can help the recuperate and limit the sickness that can happen from this smoke.”

Buswell also stressed the importance of have a livestock evacuation plan in case your ranch has fire, and that you work with your veterinarian in case any animal is burned or severely injured.

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