NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services work together to manage the effects of emergencies on agriculture, livestock and our community as Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area or AASFA.
They have a dedicated hotline for producers to call to report damage and stock losses, as well as request emergency assistance.
The AASFA Hotline is 1800 814 647 and is operating 9 am - 5 pm, all week.
Available help includes:
- Emergency fodder for livestock
- Veterinary assessment and advice
- Euthanasia and burial for animals.
Report Damage
Primary producers who are now starting to gain access to their paddocks are encouraged to report damage, including stock and fodder losses, as well as damage to farms, fencing and other farm infrastructure.
The online primary industries natural disaster damage survey allows you to:
- record the number of crops, animals, infrastructure and other primary industries damaged in a single event, and
- add photos to the assessment and see the severity of damage in your area.
With the current floods, the AASFA are encouraging those impacted to submit a survey.
To submit a survey, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage
Livestock Welfare
Floodwaters and wet conditions can cause a wide range of livestock health issues, even for some time after the waters have subsided.
Livestock that have been standing in water for some time, or that have been submerged, are most at risk of developing disease issues and should be monitored closely.
Ensuring your livestock have access to adequate food and water is the number one priority. During this time, it is also vital that producers monitor for signs of disease in their livestock.
Information on what to look out for can be found at https://bit.ly/39dHVc2
If you notice any signs of disease or illness please contact your local district vet on 1300 795 299 or call the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 678 593.
Caring for Horses After Floods
Once flood waters recede and the clean-up begins on your property, it is important to monitor your horses for any signs of illness or injury.
If your horse has been directly affected by flooding, submerged or standing in floodwaters for long periods of time it can lead to several health issues. It is important to assess them as soon as possible, make sure they have clean water to drink and access to food and shelter.
For more information on how to care for horses after floods head to https:://bit.ly/3PeHilr
Safely Transporting Flood Affected Livestock
Extra care is required when transporting cattle, sheep and goats that have been through flood waters and restricted food intake to prevent stock going down in trucks due to low energy and mineral levels.
For more information on how to safely transport stock in this instance, visit https://bit.ly/3ij8TU6
Bees and Floods
If you find a beehive in floodwaters, please report the location to the Varroa Mite online form at https://fal.cn/3pZQP or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 (9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week).
There is no concern about Varro Mite spreading through flood waters.
For more information visit https://fal.cn/3pZQO
Pasture Recovery After Floods
Damage to pastures can range from minor sediment deposition, through to deep sedimentation of silt, sand or gravel deposits on pastures, erosion of topsoil, scalding and total loss of existing pasture.
Local Land Services has developed a helpful fact sheet to guide your recovery.
Download a copy here https://bit.ly/3OPeUXf
Managing Erosion Before and After Floods
There are a range of measures land managers can undertake to repair erosion damage after Floods.
Local Land Services has developed a helpful fact sheet to guide your recovery.
Download a copy here: https://bit.ly/3Ik4JFS