The municipality of Castelo Branco has announced the availability of veterinary support and animal feed services to assist farmers in areas affected by the fire. This initiative aims to ensure livestock are adequately fed at agricultural operations.
“A team from the Municipal Veterinary Service, in collaboration with Ovibeira, is gathering information from affected agricultural enterprises to identify animal feeding needs. This effort is to coordinate available support mechanisms to meet all urgent requirements,” stated the municipality.
Additionally, a partnership with the company Almeida e Duarte will facilitate the distribution of livestock feed (oat hay) to producers whose reserves were destroyed.
The Castelo Branco City Council urges those needing veterinary and animal feed support to contact the municipal veterinarian at 925 909 016 or reach out to the Parish Councils of São Vicente da Beira (272 487 117) and Louriçal do Campo (272 419 363).
“These contacts can also be used by those wishing to donate animal feed,” the council added.
Since July, mainland Portugal has been severely affected by extensive rural fires, especially in the North and Central regions.
The fires have resulted in three fatalities, including one firefighter, and numerous injuries, some severe. They have partially or completely destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock operations, and forest areas.
Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which it has received two Fire Boss airplanes, with two additional Canadair planes expected to arrive by Friday.
According to provisional official data, as of August 21, 234,000 hectares have burned across the country, with over 53,000 hectares affected by the Arganil fire alone.
