EXTREME BUSHFIRES in Australia may already have killed more than 100,000 sheep and cattle, and countless wildlife – but one animal has emerged as a social media star.

Patsy, a six-year-old kelpie-border collie cross from Corryong, Victoria, hit the headlines after helping to save a flock of sheep as fires swept through the township.

Writing on social media, Cath Hill, the sister of the sheep dog’s owner, said: “Cool as a cucumber, Patsy waited with him until the fire got close enough to fight with a tractor and water pump. Almost all the sheep are safe, along with the hay bales and silage, the shearing shed, and both farm houses.

"My brother does not do social media, but Patsy does,” said Ms Hill, who has set up the 'Patsy the Corryong Wonder Dog' instagram account featuring photo's of the dog's exploits – and to highlight the plight of all the farmers and flocks in the affected areas.

“Everyone is just trying to get water and feed to their animals, put down the ones that cannot be saved, get temporary fences up to keep stock secure, and put out all the logs and stumps still burning. There are people who have nothing left but the clothes on their backs.

"Patsy and her human really appreciate all the support coming from all over the world, but unfortunately these fires aren't over and won't be for weeks. And the recovery from the fire damage will take months, years even." Patsy's social media posts encourage followers to donate to a number of bushfire recovery groups, including BlazeAid and the Australian Red Cross.

Australia's National Farmers’ Federation said that thousands of Australian farmers have been hit by the wildfires, losing homes, stock and infrastructure.