The recent horrific fires in the Western Free State and North-West Provinces has revealed that there are no authoritative and evidence-based recommendations on assessment and treatment of livestock injured in wildfires in South Africa. This leads to unnecessary suffering, incorrect decisions, needless euthanasia, financial loss, wrong treatment options and feelings of despair amongst farmers. Each advisor or welfare officer makes personal decisions that can be very conflicting and not conducive to animal welfare.

A quick literature search yielded 160 scientific papers, some more useful than others. There are probably many more that may be accessed by further, more thorough searches. These need to be painstakingly evaluated and assessed by a veterinary scientist with appropriate expertise and ability to understand the pathological, clinical, toxicological and medical issues involved. Existing information needs to be collated in a balanced way.

The outcomes of this literature review should be:
(1) An evidence-based practical, authoritative system for the clinical evaluation of livestock species involved, and defensible assignment to different categories for treatment or other disposals.
(2) Evidence-based, practical, financially defensible recommendation for the treatment of animals.
(3) Based on the review, any recommendations for further research or investigation. We look forward to your assistance in this matter.