07:03

The scale of the destruction left by the Cudlee Creek fires in the Adelaide Hills has come into greater focus as the tally for the number of livestock killed in the blaze was released this afternoon.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (Pirsa) is currently taking stock of the damage in the wake of the fire, which consumed 25,000ha in a rich agricultural region that contains a third of the region’s wine industry.

While no firm figures are available on the loss to the wine industry, early surveys of the 537 properties within the area registered as having livestock present put the number of animals killed in the blaze at 2,700 as of this afternoon. This includes 2635 sheep, 139 cattle, 15 chicken and a horse.

In a statement, the state controller for agricultural and animal services (Savem), Mehdi Doroudi, said that number was expected to rise as the initial assessments were finalised.

Livestock owners who need an urgent assessment of lost livestock can contact the department through its hotline on 1800 255 556. Bushfire-related advice for caring for stock can be found on Pirsa’s website.

For help with injured or stray wildlife or companion animals, people are urged to get in touch with Savem on 8297 2299.