About 85 severely dehydrated cattle had to be put down and hundreds more were found already dead at a pastoral station in Western Australia's north.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducted aerial and on-ground inspections of the Kimberley region property on December 26 and 27, and found water points were inaccessible or required urgent repairs.
The department is working with station management to ensure the welfare of remaining cattle and recent rainfall has helped alleviate immediate concerns, Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan said on Thursday.
A local contractor will conduct daily aerial inspections and the department's livestock compliance unit is investigating.
"All pastoral properties need to be vigilant in ensuring cattle have access to feed and water, especially given the hot conditions and lack of surface water in the north this season," Ms MacTiernan said.
