Limit animal losses after a veld fire
June 2025
VELD FIRES CAN OFTEN AFFECT LARGE AREAS AND A LOT OF LIVESTOCK CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED. QUICK AND APPROPRIATE ACTION IS NEEDED TO BOTH LIMIT LOSSES AND MINIMISE ANIMAL SUFFERING. ALL INVOLVED MUST WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM TO ACHIEVE THE BEST OUTCOMES.
The prognosis of animals caught in a runaway fire depends on the severity of the burns and other injuries. It is essential to assess affected animals in a systematic way.
CATEGORISING INJURIES
Animals should be categorised into three different groups. The allocation of cases to these three categories is of necessity somewhat subjective and must be made considering the best interests of both the animals and their owners.
Mildly or lightly affected animals
- Breathing easily and normal, with little or no coughing.
- Walk without difficulty.
- Able to eat and drink normally.
- Hair or wool may be scorched, and the skin only lightly scalded (first-degree burns) over limited areas of the body. These mild, superficial burns may be treated.
- Prognosis is very good, provided that animals receive good care, shelter, food and water.
Moderately affected animals
- May have some difficult or heavy breathing and coughing.
- Can stand, walk, eat and drink.
- More severe burns (second degree) over more extensive areas.
- Skin on the legs could be mildly affected.
- Hooves may show some shedding.
- Prognosis is good if animals get proper care until they recover.
Severely affected animals
- Severe breathing difficulties and coughing due to smoke inhalation.
- Not able to walk, eat or drink.
- May have severe burns (third degree) over extensive areas of the body. Severe burns on the lower legs are a particularly bad sign.
- Prognosis is poor. In many cases, it will be advised (and humane) to euthanise the animal to end suffering.
TREATMENT
The decision to treat animals more intensively must be taken while keeping these factors in mind:
- Number of animals.
- Availability of appropriate medication.
- Responsible people for carrying out daily evaluations and treatments.
- Cost involved.
- The value of the animals.
Treatments used will depend on the decisions of veterinarians, but the following can be used as a guideline:
- Use topical creams, wound remedies or antiseptics for mild to moderate burns. Registered products are available for severe burns in very valuable animals.
- Systemic antibiotics are strongly recommended in all cases where the lungs may be compromised or secondary infection is a danger. This can save many lives.
- Analgesics (painkillers) should always be used wherever possible because of the severe pain that results from burns. Please note that if an animal that has been treated with some analgesics dies, its carcass can pose a danger to vultures, and therefore, the carcass must be disposed of safely.
Despite an apparently poor prognosis, some animals can recover, provided proper care and treatments are given. A burnt hoof can form again within a few weeks, although it may be somewhat deformed. Damage to the teat openings can result in a later inability to suckle calves, lambs or kids.
Emergency slaughter
- Only livestock that comply with the regulations of the Meat Safety Act (Act 40 of 2000), which specify the criteria for the acceptance of animals for emergency slaughter at abattoirs, may be transported.
- On no account can badly injured and unsuitable animals be dispatched to abattoirs, as this will lead to further needless suffering and rejection at the abattoir. Consult with the nearest abattoir on the suitability of livestock for emergency slaughter beforehand.
Source: https://rpo.co.za/beskerm-jou-vee-teen-veldbrande-protect-your-stock-against-veld-fires/
Publication: June 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula
Author: INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE RPO
