As was the case following the devastating 2022 big flood, when there were animal carcasses spread across the Northern Rivers, the NSW Government is supporting farmers and community members in the North Coast, Mid-North Coast and Hunter Valley during the difficult process of deceased animal disposal.

It is difficult to forget video footage of cows being swept away in a fast-flowing current, a dead cow on the AZNU awning or the lucky horse on the top step of the Celtics soccer clubhouse. Our neighbours down south will be experiencing similar sights.

Through the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline, landholders and community members can request carcass disposal and report deceased livestock on their properties or that have been transported by floodwaters off their properties and into community spaces.

The AASFA hotline is 1800 814 647 and is currently operating seven days a week with extended hours between 8am and 6pm.

Farmers and community members can also contact this number with urgent animal welfare concerns. There is currently a high voulume of calls, with those related to emergency animal welfare being prioritised.

AASFA will work with landholders, local councils, contractors and other government agencies to locate and safely remove any carcasses as quickly as possible.

The correct management of deceased or unwell livestock after a natural disaster is important to minimise the impact on the environment, distress to owners and the public, and to reduce the risks to human and animal health through the spread of disease.  

Assistance available through AASFA includes:   

• animal assessment and veterinary support   
• euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds   
• emergency fodder (up to three days where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)  
• emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)   
• livestock feeding and management advice   
• aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock.   

Landholders can stay updated with the latest flood warnings by visiting www.ses.nsw.gov.au or downloading the Hazards Near Me App.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Director Emergency Management Leigh Pilkington said, “The discovery of deceased livestock and pets can be very distressing to the community, and especially livestock owners,” Mr Pilkington said.

“We have already seen examples of where livestock have been transported by floodwaters onto beaches and other community spaces where you’d never expect to see them, as well as significant on-farm losses.

“While it's tragic and challenging circumstances, we thank landholders and community members for their reporting of these deceased animals so our team can make the appropriate disposal arrangements.