In March, Dr. Stacey Rae, a veterinarian in Queensland, faced a heart-wrenching scene after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. From her helicopter, she saw a landscape transformed. What were once dry plains now lay scattered with livestock, many lost and others desperately struggling.
As floodwaters receded, the toll on animals was severe. Dr. Rae indicates that the death count could reach into the hundreds of thousands, a staggering figure driven by harsh conditions. Just before shearing season, sheep were heavy with fleece, worsening their plight. Recent estimates suggest losses already exceed 150,000 animals.
Queensland wasn’t the only area affected. New South Wales also dealt with severe flooding, forcing farmers to bury their dead animals. The mental strain on these farmers is immense. Dr. Rae expressed her worry about their mental health, noting that in the aftermath, many endure prolonged stress and despair.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) acted quickly to support affected farmers and veterinarians. They established a hotline to answer urgent queries about livestock care and provide essential medicines. Even months later, calls continued as new challenges, such as sandfly infestations and plant toxicity, arose.
Veterinarians like Dr. Jeannet Kessels explain the profound emotional toll this work takes. She founded Vets for Climate Action after witnessing the devastation from Australia’s bushfires. The group’s aim is to address the growing impact of climate change on animal welfare. Dr. Helen Scott-Orr, a former top veterinary officer, highlights that extreme weather leads to increased health issues in animals. It’s a vicious cycle; as weather patterns grow unpredictable, diseases spread more rapidly.
Reflecting on past knowledge, Dr. Scott-Orr mentioned that ticks, once confined to northern regions, are now found much farther south, indicating a worrying shift in environmental conditions. A 2018 study noted that around 10,000 pets are treated annually for tick paralysis, underlining the expanding threats to animal health.
Amid these challenges, the veterinary workforce is feeling the pressure. A 2025 report reveals significant shortages of veterinarians in rural areas throughout Australia. With job vacancies lasting longer in the bush, burnout is a real concern. Research indicates that a disturbingly high number of rural vets work excessive hours, contributing to an alarming suicide rate within the profession. Dr. Ron Glanville, a former Chief Veterinary Officer, highlighted these issues and stressed the need for climate action to protect both animals and the people who care for them.
Farmers are still reeling from their losses. Dr. Rae described tough decisions made during the floods, where animals deemed unsalvageable had to be euthanized. For one farmer, that meant shooting 80 bullocks from a helicopter—a significant financial loss that no insurance could cover.
Despite the community’s efforts and support initiatives like BlazeAid, many feel forgotten as the media attention fades. The emotional scars from such disasters linger.
The situation for farmers and veterinarians is complex. As climate change exacerbates these challenges, support and awareness are crucial for the well-being of both animals and those who care for them. A resilient community response will be essential in navigating the road ahead.
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