Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer
Victorian producers are more aware than most of the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place for livestock during a fire.
With the fire season almost upon us, now is the time for livestock owners to get prepared and have a clear strategy to apply in the possibility of a fire emergency on their farm.
A key factor in minimising the threat to livestock during a bush fire or on extreme fire danger days, is to identify safer areas on-farm where livestock can be moved to.
The area you choose will depend on the type of livestock and their expected behaviour during a fire.
To reduce potential injury and death to livestock you should consider relocating stock to designated low risk areas during days of high fire danger and Total Fire Bans.
Low risk areas include:
bare areas such as ploughed paddocks, and areas cultivated and kept free of combustible vegetation
bared-out paddocks, provided they are well defended by fire breaks
irrigated paddocks or paddocks containing green summer crops
stockyards that can be wet in advance. However, the yards must be well defended as the fire front passes.
dams and swamps are another possible option.
All low-risk areas should have sufficient drinking water to enable stock to remain in the area for extended periods of high fire risk and high temperatures. For more information regarding stock containment areas for emergencies click here.
Stockyards have been known to successfully hold stock during a fire if protected by a firebreak. If this is your preferred option, consider using a sprinkler system since stock being held together on a hot day can suffer heat stress.
Horses should not be locked up in small areas or stables but moved to an open paddock with minimal vegetation, so they can move freely. Horses and cattle are adept at avoiding a fire moving themselves to safe open areas and usually suffer minimal burns if left to do so.
If equipment such as rugs, halters and flyveils remain on horses, the plastic may melt, and metal buckles can burn the animal. Therefore, consider using rope halters for easier handling and management.
It’s crucial not to open gates that may allow stock access to public roadways, as any animals will be a hazard to traffic in smoky conditions.
On days of extreme fire danger or on the day before, stock should be moved into lower risk areas on-farm, or to a safer property.
Agriculture Victoria advises livestock owners to act early and do not get caught trying to move stock as a fire approaches. Listen to weather forecasts and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action.
For further assistance on preparing a farm and livestock bushfire plan click here or contact the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
