At least 10,000 head of livestock have been killed in the fires that raced across the south-west on the weekend.
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While Agriculture Victoria has not confirmed the number of dead livestock, the mortality toll of at least 10,000 head has been mentioned unofficially by government agencies.
The Standard talked to two farmers in The Sisters and Garvoc areas on Monday who had lost about 1200 head, one losing about 300 cows and the other more than 900 sheep.
Agriculture Victoria representative Martin Dunstan told a packed community meeting in Terang on Monday it hoped to get around to all properties affected by the fires to assess what their needs were.
“They might have livestock that have been burnt in the fires. They might have no feed. They might have no water. They might have personal needs,” Mr Dunstan said.
He said dealing with livestock burnt in the fires was a high priority for the government.
READ MORE: Firefighters make inroads as blazes quelled
“Sometimes an unprofessional eye can make the wrong decision about whether to sell to an abattoir or put them in a hospital mob,” Mr Dunstan said.
He said farmers who wanted to ensure the health of fire-affected livestock should ring 5336 6721 for assistance.
Those who wanted to dispose of livestock that had died or been euthanised in the Corangamite Shire area should ring Lyall Bond on 0419 337 854, he said.
Victoria Police local spokesman Gary Coombes called for people to obey traffic management by police on roads that remained closed because of the fires.
