California ranchers monitor livestock after wildfire smoke exposure

Though recent rains and moderate winds have helped to disperse smoke and pollutants from the Camp Fire, livestock experts and veterinarians say ranchers should continue to monitor the health of their animals. Unlike people, livestock are not able to stay indoors and have had continuous exposure to smoke and particulate matter, even as air quality during the height of the fire reached very unhealthy to hazardous levels in parts of the state. The concern, said Gaby Maier, a University of California Cooperative Extension specialist in beef cattle health, is that the particulate matter gets deep into the animals’ lungs and can cause irritation. “With this kind of air quality, anything that’s got the least bit of immune system compromise could see some respiratory infection here in the next couple of weeks,” said Dan Macon, a sheep rancher and UCCE livestock and natural resources advisor. Macon and Maier advise ranchers to watch for signs of possible smoke and dust irritation in their animals and consult their veterinarian. Those signs include coughing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, panting and breathing with an open mouth. Other symptoms include eye irritation and excessive water; inflammation of throat or mouth; fatigue or weakness; disorientation or stumbling; and reduced appetite and/or thirst...MORE

Also referred to as the CBD disease, or the NRDC disease. or the...