Wildfire Livestock Injuries Need Care

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- Drought has been the main cause of several devastating wildfires across the country in 2026, with the most recent in Washington state. More than 400,000 acres have burned in three large wildfires that are still burning in eastern Washington.

According to the Watch Duty website, the fires are still burning. As of the afternoon of Aug. 10, the Sinlahekin Fire in northeast Washington had burned 147,715 acres and was 42% contained. The Little Giant Fire in east-central Washington had burned 116,995 acres and was 2% contained. The Kaiser Canyon Fire on the eastern Washington border with Idaho had burned 138,213 acres and was 63% contained.

LIVESTOCK LOSSES MOUNT AS FIRE CONTINUES

Livestock losses and injuries have happened because of the fire. The Washington Cattlemen's Association (WCA) said it is important for cattle that have injuries from the fire to see a veterinarian.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Aug. 4 a federal state of emergency in the state as the wildfires continue to spread. National Guard members were also deployed to help fight the fires.

"I appreciate the federal government moving quickly and granting our request for this emergency declaration," Ferguson said in a news release. "We are laser-focused on getting assistance to those Washingtonians who have lost so much." The federal declaration provides help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the local agencies and governments to continue to fight the fires. A statewide burn ban is in effect in Washington through the end of September.

The WCA continues to coordinate efforts to help cattle producers and connect them with the needed resources. This includes feed for cattle and supplies for rebuilding and repairing fences and buildings.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture said producers should have an established livestock evacuation plan if wildfire is a concern. Following a fire, livestock should not be put under extra stress and should be provided plenty of fresh water. Proper surveillance of the injured animals can help show if they are eating and drinking.

Animals that have sustained injuries from the fires should be seen by a veterinarian. Ashland, Kansas, veterinarian Randall Spare has cared for many cattle during extensive wildfires in his area in 2017, along with others more recently. He said foot problems are very common and are usually seen as soon as a few days or a week after the fire when the hoof can separate at the coronary band. This is usually in cattle who have been directly in fires or walked through them, and he said the prognosis isn't positive.

VETERINARIANS URGE EVALUATIONS

Animals with large amounts of skin damage are hard to treat, but he said they should each be individually evaluated. "Check the mucocutaneous junctions of the eyes, mouth, vulva, and anus, as these are sensitive areas," Spare said. If the udder is damaged, it will get hard. These cows may not produce adequate colostrum or milk depending on if they have calved already and are nursing a calf. He suggests having colostrum and milk replacers on hand for calves who need extra. Bulls should be examined properly before being used for breeding purposes.

Wildfire recovery resources can be found at: https://agr.wa.gov/…. Donations are being collected by the WCA at: https://wacattle.clubexpress.com/…

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

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