Queensland Flooding – Information and Support for Veterinarians

09 Mar 2026

Wet weather in North and North West Queensland has caused flooding impacting livestock across large parts of the State. Further information is available here: www.disaster.qld.gov.au and https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is assisting veterinary practices as they respond and recover from this flooding disaster. The following provides information about response activities, supports available, and resources to assist veterinarians.

Veterinarians Point of Contact for QLD Flood Support
The AVA provides a point of contact to facilitate communication between veterinarians and QLD disaster response agencies. This role supports:

  • The distribution of information to veterinarians, and
  • An escalation pathway for veterinarians to raise veterinary/animal issues, operational challenges, or specific needs with QLD Disaster Response Operations to arrange support.

Veterinarians are encouraged to contact the AVA with any concerns, feedback, or requests for assistance related to QLD disaster response and recovery efforts.

Please contact Liz Gemes, AVA Senior Advocacy Officer at 0481 373 330 or liz.gemes@ava.com.au

 

Mental Health Support
Natural disasters can take a toll on the mental health of veterinarians and their clients, as they navigate loss, uncertainty, and the pressure of caring for animals under extreme circumstances. The following supports are available:

  • AVA’s free and confidential telephone counselling service can be accessed by AVA members and their immediate families, along with any veterinary professionals that work for an AVA member vet (even if they are not members themselves). The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To access the AVA’s telephone counselling service, call 1300 687 327 or visit this link for further information
  • Communities impacted by natural disasters often experience mental anguish and veterinarians are frequently among the first points of human contact for clients following a disaster event. The Australian Red Cross provides Psychological First Aid guide and training resources for disaster responders. These early interactions can be critical, and the guidance offers simple, practical strategies that can assist veterinarians to recognise distress and provide appropriate support to disaster-affected clients.
    Guide: https://www.redcross.org.au/globalassets/cms/first-aid/psych-first-aid-booklet-lq.pdf  
    Training: https://firstaid.redcross.org.au/psychological-first-aid/
  • Converge International provides a suite of downloadable mental health resources for extreme weather events. Download here.

WhatsApp QLD Flood Vet Communications Group
A WhatsApp group is available for all veterinarians involved in the QLD floods to share updates, ask questions, coordinate assistance, and exchange relevant information.

Please contact Liz Gemes, AVA Senior Advocacy Officer at 0481 373 330 or liz.gemes@ava.com.au to be added to the chat group.

Please note that, due to the way WhatsApp functions, new participants are unable to view messages or resources shared prior to joining the group.

Veterinary Resources for Flood Impacted Animals
During and following a flood event livestock are at risks of a range of disease conditions including but not limited to Yersiniosis (flood mud scours), Mastitis, Plant Toxicities, Vector Transmitted Diseases, Rain Scald, Pneumonia, Three-Day Sickness, Injuries/Soreness, Hoof Abscesses & Leptospirosis, Tetanus, Phycomycosis in horses, and many more.

The AVA has a range of resources available for veterinarians to assist in managing and treating animals impacted by flooding. These can be accessed at: www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/natural-disasters/flood-and-storm-resources/

AVA Veterinary Benevolent Fund
The AVA Veterinary Benevolent Fund exists to help any veterinary professional, AVA member or not, going through financial hardship or a difficult time, including impacts from the recent floods.

No circumstance is insignificant, and no request is too small. Your situation matters to us and we want you to reach out. Contact AVA Member Services (even if you are not a member) for a confidential, understanding discussion around your circumstances. We’ll then put you in touch with one of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund Trustees.

Human Health
In flooding, mosquito populations can significantly increase. Veterinarians and the Community need to be vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne viruses such as Dengue, Barmah Forest virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis or Ross River virus. People are advised to wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing that covers their arms, legs, and feet, and to apply mosquito repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.

Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage, animal waste and bacteria, posing risks of infections like skin infections, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, and more serious diseases such as melioidosis and leptospirosis. People should wear protective clothing and footwear during flood clean-up. Avoid walking through floodwater and mud, especially with open wounds. If unavoidable, cover wounds, use water-resistant footwear and protective gloves when handling flood-affected items.

QLD Health provides further information on the health risks of floods www.health.qld.gov.au/

QLD Government Disaster Impact Surveys
Primary producers are requested to complete a disaster impact survey to assist the QLD Government in understanding the extent of flood damage and the types of assistance required. The survey enables producers to report damage or losses to their farm and helps determine what support is needed during the response and recovery phase.

Veterinarians encouraged to promote the disaster impact survey to their clients.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/disaster/impact-survey

Destruction and Disposal
The following information is provided to inform veterinarians and for sharing with their clients, particularly primary producers.

QLD Public Information
Veterinarians are encouraged to share the following public information to their networks and clients.  

Animals can become injured or ill when weather events impact a region. Do not allow animals in extreme distress to suffer.  

For sick or injured animals or livestock contact your vet. 

For assistance with disposal of animal carcasses, contact your local council.

For information about caring for animals in natural disasters visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/disaster/flood/during/animal-welfare

For animal health, including managing diseases and health concerns in animals after a flood visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/disaster/flood/recovery/animal-health