Post-Fire Welfare of Domestic Ruminants: A Scoping Review of Guidelines and Assessment Protocols

Dr. Jane R. Thompson, Prof. Michael S. Davis — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: The primary goal of this scoping review is to establish evidence-based guidelines for the post-fire assessment of domestic ruminants, specifically focusing on evaluating their health and welfare following exposure to fire-related trauma.

Methods: We conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature on post-fire assessments of domestic ruminants. Relevant studies were identified from major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using specific search terms related to fire injury, ruminants, and post-trauma assessment. The data were categorized and analyzed to identify key factors influencing the health and management of domestic ruminants after fire exposure.

Results: A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies varied in their focus, ranging from the effects of direct heat exposure to the psychological impact of fire exposure on livestock. The findings indicate that post-fire assessments should involve comprehensive physical evaluations, including assessments of burn wounds, respiratory health, and behavioral changes. Environmental factors, including access to food and water post-fire, were also identified as critical elements in post-fire care.

Conclusions: Evidence-based guidelines for the post-fire assessment of domestic ruminants can be established based on the identified health parameters. These guidelines should emphasize the importance of a thorough physical and behavioral evaluation, immediate care protocols, and monitoring of environmental conditions to ensure the well-being of ruminants following fire exposure.

The American Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Wildlife Discovery

Post-Fire Welfare of Domestic Ruminants: A Scoping Review of Guidelines and Assessment Protocols