March 15, 2006

 

Texas fire kills and injures thousands of cattle

 

 

Thousands of cattle caught in the path of a wildfire in Texas on Sunday could suffer severe damage from burns and secondary damage from smoke inhalation, veterinary experts warned.

 

An estimated 700,000 acres was burned on Sunday but it is not known how many livestock were injured or killed in the fire.

 

As many as 25,000 cattle are estimated to have been on the rangeland, said Dr. Steve Amosson, Texas Cooperative Extension economist.

 

Veterinarians are urging farmers to give surviving cattle adequate nutrition and water while checking for possible diseases due to smoke inhalation or injuries.

 

The fires came as ranchers are beginning the calving season, said Dr. Ted McCollum, Extension livestock specialist. Many calves would be in the path of the fire and the cows might be having sore udders.

 

Analyzing injuries to cattle following a wildfire is important to minimize losses, said Dr. Floron Faries of Texas A&M University in College Station, Extension program leader for veterinary medicine. Animals may look fine but secondary problems such as infections could develop, he warned.

 

However, inhalation of smoke causes immediate irritation to the lining of the respiratory system, Faries said. This can lead to inflamation, edema and emphysema, with the severity determined by the duration of inhaled smoke.

 

In addition, the lining of the eyelids and eyeballs can be irritated and lead to secondary infections which can be fatal, Faries said.

 

Once the fire has passed, farmers should immediately consult a veterinarian for any animals with severe burns or direct smoke exposure. Other livestock should also be checked for possible health disorders and treatment. 

 

Faries recommends that immediate slaughter for human consumption may be the most suitable procedure before secondary complications of infection occur, adding that an inspection should be conducted to determine safety before that.