Statements
Pneumonia risk for livestock in fire affected areas
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association is getting reports of severe pneumonia among livestock, particularly sheep, in fire-affected areas.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today it was important farmers recognised the symptoms and treated affected animals with antibiotics.
“Severe pneumonia may go undetected by farmers who have got enough on their plate at the moment,” she said. “However, if it is not treated with antibiotics quickly, more sheep deaths will occur.”
Severe pneumonia cases are the result of a secondary infection caused by fire damage to the lungs. Symptoms include the animal having difficulty breathing, there may be a nasal discharge and they will be reluctant to move far.
Ms Davis said that, if farm animals are showing signs of respiratory distress, farmers should contact the Department of Primary Industries on 6233 6875 for assistance; or speak to their own vets.
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/