Wildfire Smoke Could Affect Animals and Livestock

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 -- 8:01 AM

(By Evan Casey, Wisconsin Public Radio) Smoke from the wildfires has been affecting the daily lives of millions of people across thousands of miles.

But, according to Evan Casey with Wisconsin Public Radio, that smoke, which led to "very unhealthy" and even "hazardous" air quality indexes for portions of the state last week, is also affecting livestock and wildlife across Wisconsin.

Some initial research has shown that tiny particles in wildfire smoke could lead to a decrease in milk production and decrease in weight gain in cattle, and can exacerbate respiratory issues in other animals, including horses.

Even as the air quality has improved across much of the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said similar advisories could occur as the summer goes on and wildfires continue to burn in northern forests.

Canada had 497 active fires burning as of Friday afternoon, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. That's concerning for farmers and owners of livestock or other animals, some of whom rely on their animals as a source of income.

Dr. Jenifer Gold, a large animal veterinarian with the Wisconsin Equine Clinic and Hospital in Oconomowoc, said she saw an increase in calls about the air quality last week when much of the state had an Air Quality Index above 200, a level at which air quality is "very unhealthy" for everyone.

Gold said all animals, including horses, can be affected by the smoke "just like humans." The American Veterinary Medical Foundation said wildfire smoke can have detrimental effects for pets, horses, livestock and wildlife.

"If you can see or feel the effects of smoke yourself, you also should take precautions to keep your animals, both pets and livestock, safe," said a statement from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

That group also said for livestock, it's important to limit exercise, provide plenty of fresh water and limit dust exposure when air quality conditions are worrisome.

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