How Wildfires Affect Livestock and Poultry Production: Risks, Impacts, and Recovery

In recent years, wildfires have become more frequent, intense, and destructive across many parts of the world. While the human toll and environmental devastation are widely covered, one critical aspect that often receives less attention is the impact of wildfires on agriculture — particularly livestock and poultry production. For farmers and ranchers, these natural disasters can be catastrophic, both in terms of immediate losses and long-term repercussions.

The Immediate Threat: Smoke, Fire, and Evacuation

When a wildfire strikes agricultural land, the most urgent concern is the safety of the animals. Livestock and poultry are highly vulnerable to:

• Burn injuries: Animals can suffer burns to skin, hooves, eyes, and lungs.

• Smoke inhalation: Even if animals survive the fire, smoke inhalation can cause respiratory issues, lowered immune response, and death.

• Heat stress: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially in enclosed poultry houses, can lead to overheating and suffocation.

In many cases, the rapid spread of fire forces sudden evacuations. For large livestock operations, moving hundreds or thousands of animals on short notice is not always feasible, leading to tragic losses.

Environmental Contamination and Feed Supply Disruption

Wildfires don’t just destroy structures — they also scorch pastures, hay storage, and feed supply chains:

• Loss of forage: Grazing land may be completely destroyed, leaving ranchers without feed for weeks or even months.

• Contaminated water: Ash and chemicals used in fire suppression can seep into ponds, wells, and other water sources, making them unsafe for animals.

• Destroyed feed stores: Hay, grain, and commercial feed often go up in flames, requiring farmers to source expensive emergency supplies.

Long-Term Effects on Animal Health and Productivity

Survivors of wildfire events often suffer long-term impacts:

• Respiratory damage: Exposure to smoke and particulates can cause chronic breathing problems in cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.

• Weight loss and decreased productivity: Stress and poor nutrition can reduce weight gain, milk production, egg laying, and reproduction rates.

• Behavioral changes: Animals may show signs of trauma or stress-related disorders that affect their growth and handling.

Even subtle changes, such as a decline in feed conversion efficiency or fertility, can have major economic impacts on farming operations over time.

Infrastructure Damage and Financial Strain

Wildfires can destroy:

• Barns and housing facilities

• Fencing and corrals

• Water systems and irrigation

• Equipment and vehicles

Rebuilding can take months or years and requires significant financial investment. While insurance may cover some losses, not all damage is fully compensated, and recovery often depends on outside aid or government support.

Biosecurity Concerns and Disease Risk

After a fire, weakened animals in overcrowded temporary shelters can become susceptible to disease outbreaks. With disrupted routines and damaged infrastructure, farmers may struggle to maintain normal biosecurity protocols, increasing the risk of:

• Bacterial infections

• Respiratory diseases

• Zoonotic disease transmission

Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies

While wildfires cannot always be prevented, farmers can take steps to reduce their impact:

• Fire breaks and defensible space: Creating cleared areas around barns and pastures can slow fire spread.

• Evacuation planning: Having a pre-planned route and emergency procedure for animal relocation is critical.

• Emergency feed storage: Keeping backup supplies in fire-resistant structures can help in early recovery.

• Insurance and disaster funds: Adequate coverage for livestock, structures, and income loss is essential.

Final Thoughts

The growing frequency of wildfires poses a significant challenge to livestock and poultry producers across Canada. These events threaten not only the animals but also the livelihoods of farming families and food security at large.  It’s vital that governments, agricultural organizations, and farmers work together to build resilience and improve wildfire preparedness within the livestock industry.

Resources for Farmers:

·    Wild Fires - Canada (Government)

·    Farm Fire Smart

Active Wildfires in Canada

Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize both people and animals during fire emergencies.