Fears livestock losses in NSW could reach 20,000

More than 6200 heads of livestock have been confirmed as killed in NSW bushfires this season, with the number feared to rise to as many as 20,000.

A cow stands in a burnt out field in Rappville, NSW, Thursday, October 10, 2019. Several properties were lost when an out-of-control bushfire swept through the northern NSW village. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING

A cow stands in a burnt out field in Rappville, NSW. Source: AAP

Content warning: this story contains images that may distress some readers

The number of livestock killed this NSW bushfire season has now surpassed 6200, with fears the toll could reach 20,000 once recent deaths are counted.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is providing struggling farmers with emergency fodder and water, animal care, livestock assessment, and stock euthanasia and burial where necessary.

DPI state incident controller Karen Roberts urged those affected to register for help via a hotline or the NSW DPI Facebook page.

NSW Farmers' Association chief executive Pete Arkle on Tuesday morning said the DPI had informed him the livestock toll had jumped to 6284, with almost 5200 of those deaths occurring since Christmas.

The DPI's previous estimate of livestock losses was 3900, with 700 stock killed in the Northern Tablelands, north coast and Hunter before Christmas and 400 stock lost around Lithgow and Bathurst over the holiday period.

Mr Arkle on Monday said he expected the toll to climb as high as 20,000 after herds perished in fires that tore through southern NSW over the weekend.
"The anecdotal feedback we are receiving from the south of the state is that there have been substantial stock losses over the weekend," he told AAP.

"It will probably be between 10,000 and 20,000.

"Some people had some lead time so they could move stock."

More than 880 tonnes of fodder for surviving cattle will be sent to farms across the NSW south coast as soon as fire activity eases.

Authorities aren't aware of any dairy herds being lost, Mr Arkle said.

But pasture and hay sheds have been destroyed and some areas are without power, making generators necessary for milking.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Monday said helping farmers access their properties was a government priority.

"Many cannot get back to their properties but on the provision of stock and fodder, we thank the people who have done hay runs and made donations," Mr McCormack told reporters in Canberra.

He said the federal government would deploy 100 vets to ensure livestock carcasses around the country were disposed correctly.

Army reservists have been flagged to help carry out the job.


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2 min read
Published 7 January 2020 10:58am
Updated 7 January 2020 11:46am



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