28/03/2025
EMERGENCY VETERINARY ANNOUNCEMENT
POST-FLOOD LIVESTOCK & WORKING DOG HEALTH CHECKLIST
A Veterinary Guide for Western Queensland Producers
Due to recent rain events affecting our community we are consciously aware of the devastation that is occurring in the region to our animal's infrastructure and people.
We are acutely aware of how much our clients and producers care for their pets and livestock and we are wanting to support and assist as much as we can.
So that's why at this time we are there with you - if you have any pets and animals or livestock health issues, we will be offering Free over the phone, text and email veterinary consultations so we can help. Please call our clinic on 46583838 email [email protected] or text mobile 0438 714 847 with your emergencies questions and queries.
We have provided a checklist below for everyone to consider during and directly after this event.
After a flood, livestock pets and working dogs face serious health risks. Early observations monitoring and action can prevent long-term losses.
CATTLE, SHEEP & GOATS
✅ Feet & Hooves: Check out herd for footrot, soft hooves, and lameness from prolonged water exposure.
✅ Skin & Coat: Look for hair loss, dermatitis, or wounds from debris. Treat any infections as soon as possible acres permits.
✅ Nutrition: Assess feed and water quality. Flooded pastures may be covered in silt or low in nutrients. Consider supplementation emergency feeding or relocation to better pastures until adequate feed grows.
✅ Respiratory Health: Watch for pneumonia—coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy are warning signs.
✅ Parasites & Disease: Increased risk of worms, liver fluke, and clostridial diseases. Ensure vaccinations (e.g., 5-in-1 or 7-in-1) are up to date.
✅ Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Increased risk of 3-day please monitor for any signs. Monitor for fever, lack of mobility, lethargy, and swelling.
HORSES
✅ Hoof Care: Prolonged wet conditions increase the risk of abscesses, thrush, and laminitis.
✅ Wound Management: Flood debris can cause injuries—check legs, belly, and face daily. Also check animals for barb wire cuts if fences have been covered with water.
✅ Colic & Digestive Issues: Sudden diet changes or contaminated feed can cause colic. Ensure access to clean water and safe feed.
✅ Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Increased risk of viruses like Ross River Fever. Monitor for fever, lethargy, and swelling.
WORKING DOGS
✅ Paws & Skin: Prolonged wet exposure can cause infections and irritations—dry and inspect paws regularly.
✅ Infectious Diseases: Leptospirosis risk increases after floods—ensure vaccinations are current.
✅ Hydration & Nutrition: Check water sources for contamination and provide high-quality feed.
✅ Parasites: Tick, flea, and worm burdens increase post-flood—keep preventatives up to date. Be vigilant with parvovirus prevention with vaccinations.
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
✔ Separate and monitor affected animals when possible.
✔ Provide dry, clean shelter and fresh feed/water.
✔ Update vaccinations and parasite control. (Make sure you book in for Parvo Shots due to this rain event)
✔ Contact us for advice or support if animals show signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior. Or give us a call if you've got any concerns and need any support in this devastating event.
📞 Need Help? Contact Longreach Veterinary Services
0746583838 | [email protected] | 0438 714 847
📍 Serving Western Queensland People Producers Livestock and Pets
Photo Credit 📷: Courtney Emmott
