07/11/2026
Important information on returning livestock to the Aspen Acres burn area.
CSU Extension Pueblo County Ag and Range
Pueblo CART Livestock Division - Community Animal Response Team
Before Returning Livestock
Walk every pasture before turnout. N95 masks are recommended.
Inspect for:
o Damaged fencing.
o Smoldering areas or hot spots. Check heat with the back of hand for temperature. Disk or water heavily burned areas to reduce smoldering.
o Fallen trees and unstable limbs.
o Nails, wire, glass, metal, and other debris.
Check water sources.
o Look for ash and sediment contamination.
o Inspect tanks, ponds, streams, and water systems.
o Provide clean drinking water whenever possible.
Evaluate forage.
o Watch for toxic plants.
o Be aware of nitrate accumulation.
o Toxic plant resource will be provided online for easier access.
o Contact a veterinarian or CSU Extension with concerns.
Introduce livestock gradually.
o Avoid turning hungry animals directly onto burned pasture.
o Offer hay before turnout.
Watch for:
• Reduced appetite or reluctance to graze.
• Depression, weakness, or isolation from the herd.
• Increased breathing rate, coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing.
• Eye irritation, excessive tearing, squinting, or nasal discharge.
• Lameness, reluctance to walk, or injuries to the feet from hot spots or sharp debris.
• Burns on the muzzle, udder, teats, ears, lower legs, or hooves.
• Excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, or signs of oral irritation after grazing.
• Diarrhea, colic, or other digestive upset.
• Sudden deaths or multiple animals becoming sick, which may indicate exposure to toxic plants or contaminated water.
