MOVEMENT | If livestock and/or equine must be moved or exercised during a wildfire smoke event, they should be moved slowly, or at a walk. Animals that are asked to jog/trot or run will inhale more smoke and particulates, thus potentially causing more irritation to their respiratory systems. Try to limit additional exposure to dust, which can contribute to the increase in pollutants in the air.
Equine events that are strenuous, such as trail riding, outdoor horse shows, or cutting/sorting events, should be avoided during long-term smoke events.
Plan to give livestock and equine four to six weeks to recuperate from airway damage caused by wildfire smoke after the air quality returns to normal. Attempting to handle, move or transport livestock may aggravate the condition, delay healing, and compromise animal performance for weeks or months to come.
WATER | All livestock and equine should always have access to fresh, clean water, but this is especially true during a wildfire smoke event so animals can stay hydrataed and keep their airways moist. Drinking water also assists with the clearance of inhaled particulate matter by allowing the windpipe (trachea), large airways (bronchi) and small airways (bronchioles) to remove inhaled particulate material in smoke. Dry airways allow particulate matter to remain in the lung and air passages. If water is in a tank or trough, it should be cleaned regularly, as ash and other particles may contaminate it, thus making it undesirable to drink. Water should also be provided very close the feed source.
FEED | Try to limit dust exposure by feeding low-dust or dust-free feeds. Hay may also be soaked before feeding to horses to limit dust exposure. Sprinkling or spraying a dirt pen/lot or a stall with water will also help decrease particulates, which may contain mold, fungi, pollens and bacteria. If livestock feed is ground or mixed, keep in mind this will also be creating additional particulates that may further cause irritation to animals and people.
HEALTH CONCERNS | Animals, like humans, may exhibit signs and experience symptoms that indicate smoke irritation and stress has/is occurring. These symptoms may include watery, red or burning eyes, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing or gagging, wheezing, shortness of breath, aggravated heart and lung diseases, open mouth breathing, increased breathing rate, increased pulse rate, fatigue or weakness, disorientation or stumbling, reduced appetite and/or thirst. If symptoms continue to worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately to determine a treatment plan.
Market-ready, obese, older or pregnant animals, as well as those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, may experience more challenges during wildfire smoke events. Additionally, lactating animals may have a decline in milk production.
SUSCEPTABILITY | Not all livestock and equine are alike, so knowing your animal(s) normal behavior and susceptibility to smoke irritation and smoke inhalation injury is very important. Like humans, equine can suffer from asthma in mild to severe forms that can be triggered by inhalation of mold, dust and pollen. Special care in reducing these triggers is important during smoke events because they are also vulnerable to smoke-induced asthma.
INSURANCE | Purchasing insurance for livestock and equine is always a good option and can cover numerous possible loss (death) scenarios. Animals can be insured as an individual animal, as a blanket policy, as a herd policy or as broad peril. The cost of the insurance policy will depend on what is included and the number of animals insured. If it is believed wildfire smoke inhalation was the cause of death, a veterinarian should be contacted for a necropsy to determine cause of death. For more details and quotes, contact your insurance agency.
It may also be helpful to have photographs of the smoke and visibility, as well as record the AQI when photos are taken. This information may be helpful should you need to pursue an insurance claim.
CONCLUSION | Living in the Western region of the U.S. means there is a chance of living with wildfire smoke. To limit the negative impacts, limit animal movement, provide access to clean water, feed dust-free feeds, create dust-free environments, and watch for signs of distress. Ensuring a good relationship with your veterinarian and having insurance on livestock and equine animals is also highly advisable.
Chichester, L, Kay, M., Roice-Gomes, J., Allen, M., Taylor, L. Emm, S. 2021, Best Management Practices for Livestock and Equine during Wildfire Smoke Events, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10