Flood advice for graziers

Charters Towers veterinarian Dr Dan Metcalfe (pictured, above) compiled this guide to managing flood-affected cattle.

It contains practical advice about the immediate steps to be taken as well as things to be on the lookout for in the medium and long-term after the floods recede.

Natural disasters are increasing in frequency across Australia. We understand the impact on animal health, productivity and the mental strain on producers.

In this guide: 

• Priorities after a flood
• Signs of disease and poor health in cattle during flood recovery
• Summary of tips for recovering productivity and reducing risk after a flood event
• Useful resources and contact details

Priorities after a flood

Floods are a stressful event for producers and cattle. To help break the situation down into tasks and protect your cattle from further impact, focus on the following priorities-

• Provide feed and clean water.
• Repair fences to contain cattle and prevent further stock loss and disease spread.
• Look for signs of illness or injury and segregate sick cohorts if achievable.
• Continue to monitor. A flood event will increase the risk of sick cattle even during recovery.

Signs of disease and poor health in cattle during flood recovery

Observing large numbers of cattle has its challenges, especially during and post floods. Focus on these common signs of disease and poor health. (Link to 2026 Veterinary and carcass disposal grant in resources.)

• Rain Scald (Dermatophilosis). This condition is caused by a bacteria infecting a persistently wet coat.Affected cattle can be of all ages, but especially young stock. Look for moist circular patches, often with matted hairs which give a characteristic paint brush appearance.These are typically seen on muzzle, tips of ears, withers, but rapidly spreads – can involve up to half the skin area in severe cases. Cattle are usually otherwise heathy; however, young stock with severe infections may be sore, reluctant to move and drop body condition.

Management and treatment: Usually reserved for severe cases in young animals. Get animals dry if possible. Commence by using warm water to gently remove any scabs ready to lift. Spray or brush on a mild disinfectant solution. Seek veterinary advice for severely affected animals.

• Diarrhoea and weight loss. Flood mud scours (Yersiniosis) is a caused by a bacteria spread by a large array of animals such as cattle, rodents and birds.It can persist for a sustained period in mud and water. Stress, internal parasites and suboptimal nutrition exacerbate the disease. Internal parasites and nutrition are high risk factors in a flood environment.

Management and treatment:  Avoid grazing in waterlogged paddocks. Move hay racks frequently. Provide adequate feed and clean water. Drench when practical if due. Seek veterinary advice.

• Injuries to limbs on cattle trapped in flood water are common. In this environment infections can occur. The infection can affect the connective tissue under the skin; it can then spread extensively. If pressure is safely applied to the affected area, it may remain depressed or “pitted”.

Management and treatment:  Look for signs of swelling on a limb and any associated lameness. Seek veterinary assistance.

• Hoof Lameness. Hooves can be softened by persistent wet conditions. An inability to see the ground in floodwaters also increase the risk of bruises, cracks and cuts. These can lead to infection.
• Management and treatment: Move stock out of water where possible. Keep close access up to feed and water. Seek veterinary advice.
• Clostridial diseases such as blackleg and Botulism. Flood waters disturb soils and can expose spores that cause blackleg and sudden death in cattle. These diseases may not have been seen in the region for many years.

Access to carcasses and contaminated or decaying feed are risk factors to consider for botulism. Botulism, if seen early, may look like a stiff gait generally in the hind limbs and progresses to a whole-body paralysis. When the beast is on the ground, it will appear limp.

Management and treatment: Remove access to carcasses and contaminated or decaying feed. Vaccinate with 5-in-1 or 7-in-1 and Botulism vaccine. Affected animals will die, if found in non-viable condition, humanely euthanase and safely dispose of carcass.

• Flood and post flood conditions can spread the bacteria. Confinement of cattle in groups on high ground can also have an impact, as it is spread through direct contact with urine. An increase of invasive pests further contributes to a higher risk level.There are varying signs of the disease in a cattle herd, from apparently fine to abortion storms. The disease is also a risk to humans.

Management and treatment: Vaccinate with 7 in 1. Be aware of human health risk factors. Seek veterinary advice especially if abortion rates increase.

• Plant toxicities. Because of the limited feed availability, cattle will be inclined to graze toxic plants they may avoid in normal conditions.

Management and treatment: Monitor for symptoms, provide supportive care, and consult a vet. 

• Three-day sickness/Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF) This is a virus that is transmitted through biting insects. It causes animals to run a fever which will be observed as lethargy, muscle soreness, lameness and inability to stand.

Management and treatment: Provide supportive care to affected stock, including feed and water if down, encourage to stand if down for prolonged time to avoid muscle wastage, consult a veterinarian for treatment.

• Pink eye. This infection can be painful and debilitating for cattle.Outbreaks occur because of higher fly populations and confinement on high ground in close groups. In severe cases it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

Management and treatment: Control fly numbers, veterinary consultation for treatment.

Summary of tips for recovering productivity and reducing risk after a flood event

Pre-emptive actions can reduce the risk of further stock loss and put you on track to regaining productivity.  

Provide clean  water and feed.

• Ensure access to high quality feed and clean drinking water.
• Rotate hay rack locations to prevent contamination.

Daily inspections.

• Where achievable regularly inspect cattle  for signs of illness, injury or unusual behaviour.

Relocate cattle.

• If possible, move cattle away from flooded pastures and heavily soiled areas.
• Segregate sick from well.
• Restrict access to carcasses until disposal is achievable.

Vaccinate and drench.

• Use preventative medicine. Vaccinate for appropriate diseases and drench for internal and external parasites.

Monitor toxic plants.

• Floods may expose toxic plants cattle usually avoid. Be vigilant and remove these plants as soon as possible.

Seek veterinary advice.

• Consult a vet for any health concerns, disease outbreaks or vaccination schedules.