Glimmer of hope: Beryl the cow survives horrific Queensland floods

One beloved cow has provided a heartbroken, flood affected family with a glimmer hope in what has been a horrific few weeks for Queensland residents.

Beryl the Brahman, known for her relaxed “couch potato” behaviour, was one of a limited amount of cattle to survive the torrential flooding that has caused mass disaster throughout northern parts of the state.

Above all odds, the caring animal managed to make it out alive, much to the delight of the Webster family who own a property in Balootha, north of Julia Creek.

With 95 per cent of their stock killed in the one in 500 year event that ravaged Queensland, Jake and Sally Webster and their family were beyond thrilled to find Beryl in a flooded paddock, waiting patiently to return home.

“There would be a few upset people around I think if Beryl had died,” Jake told 7 News.

To some, one cow surviving may not seem like a big deal, but Beryl is one extremely special animal. Along with being somewhat of an internet sensation for her loving nature and unusual bovine behaviour, the cow is considered one of the family.

Beryl, her was orphaned at birth, is different to others of her kind, often seen relaxing in the family home watching television as if it’s completely normal.

So when Jake found her and dragged her home through the water, it was a special moment for all.

“She means heaps to us, she’s a character in her own right,” Sally explained.

“When Jake called on the two-way and said Beryl was alive we were very, very emotional. It was just something really nice to get out of everything.”

The Webster family weren’t the only ones happy to hear the news that Beryl was safe and well. Many Aussies took to Facebook to share their delight in her survival, pleased that she made it out alive.

“So amazing to see Beryl survived. She’s a beauty. So sorry for everything the farmers have lost,” one person wrote.

“What a lovely lady. A gentle one at that,” another commented.

While Beryl’s survival is great news for the family, it doesn’t hide the fact that the region is still suffering following the horrific floods.

Townsville residents are facing a new threat following weeks of torrential rain and flooding with the dangerous soil-borne disease melioidosis spreading throughout the city.

Earlier this week it was confirmed one person had died and nine others remained in intensive care after contracting the disease from contaminated soil and water while attempting to clean up their destroyed homes Queensland’s north.

Townsville Public Health Unit Acting Director Dr Julie Mudd on Tuesday confirmed the devastating news, sending an urgent warning to residents to exert extreme caution following the catastrophic flood that caused extensive damage to the city.

The death-toll from Townsville's flooding crisis has risen to three, after a resident died from a waterborne disease. Health authorities have issued an urgent warning to the public, to seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever or break out in sores. @Ben_Downie #7News pic.twitter.com/7UrPqVwNC3

— 7NEWS Townsville (@7NewsTownsville) February 12, 2019

“We’ve now got 10 confirmed melioidosis cases in Townsville,” she said. “We have had one fatality.”

Read more: One dead, nine hospitalised as deadly bacteria threatens Townsville flood victims

Meliodosis, also referred to as Whitmore’s Disease is caused by bacteria found in contaminated water. It can easily be spread to both humans and animals through direct contact.

It is generally uncommon for fit and healthy people to contract the disease, with the elderly and those already facing chronic conditions most at risk.

Have you or someone you know been affected be the horrible floods?