North Dakota is witnessing an alarming rise in anthrax among its cattle. Especially in southwestern regions, anthrax cases have become more frequent. As Gerald Stokka from the North Dakota State University Extension explains, adverse weather conditions like high rainfall or dry spells can expose these deadly spores, putting cattle at risk.
Anthrax, scientifically termed Bacillus anthracis, is notorious for its survival mechanism. The bacteria form hardy spores that can remain dormant for years under certain conditions. Once these spores encounter susceptible cattle, they revive, leading to rapid infections and often sudden deaths in the herd.
Signs of an anthrax outbreak can be subtle. Sometimes, the only clue is unexpectedly finding dead cattle. Though there are various reasons for such sudden deaths, anthrax should always be on the suspect list. Stokka advises against performing necropsies on potentially infected cattle. Instead, blood samples should be promptly sent to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
In case of a confirmed diagnosis, vaccination becomes the immediate need of the hour. The available vaccine is a live attenuated spore version, administered as a 1 cc dose in the neck area. Both adult cattle and calves must be vaccinated. Simultaneous treatment with antibiotics has proven effective during outbreaks, but seeking a veterinarian's counsel is vital.
Safety isn't just a concern for cattle; anthrax poses a threat to humans too. When handling a suspected anthrax-infected carcass, utmost caution is necessary. Burning the carcass and the soil beneath it is the advised disposal method.
For a comprehensive guide on Anthrax and safety measures, the NDSU Extension has a dedicated publication available at https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/anthrax
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steveoehlenschlager
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle