Poor Air Quality from Wildfire Smoke can put Livestock at Risk

The wildfire smoke drifting from Canada into the United States has prompted a call to action for those with underlying lung conditions or asthma, including children and the elderly, to minimize outdoor exposure. But this warning extends beyond human health; it’s a risk to our animals, too. Rhonda Brooks writes

“Look for the following signs of possible smoke or dust irritation in animals, including:
•    Coughing or gagging
•    Difficulty breathing, including open mouth breathing and increased noise when breathing
•    Eye irritation and excessive watering
•    Inflammation of throat or mouth
•    Nasal discharge
•    Asthma-like symptoms
•    Increased breathing rate
•    Fatigue or weakness
•    Disorientation or stumbling
•    Reduced appetite and/or thirst

[…]

Unhealthy levels of pollutants from the smoke spread across states in those regions including most of Michigan and Wisconsin and parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, according to tracker AirNow.gov.”

To Learn More, Read the full article by Rhonda Brooks