Wildfires and the smoke they produce are in the news a lot these days. You know how to protect your family — including your pets — from smoke inhalation. But how do you protect your livestock?

First, limit their amount of activity. Even after air quality improves, livestock should have at least a month to recover before being transported. Fresh water should always be available, particularly near feeding areas. Feed itself should be dust-free, and dust should be kept to a minimum by misting feeding and holding areas.

Animals with heart disease or breathing problems are especially at risk, so keep an eye on them when air quality worsens.

Last, but certainly not least, have an evacuation plan in place if worse comes to worst. This may involve tapping into a network of folks able to provide emergency transportation.