The Colorado State Veterinarian’s office has confirmed the first cases of anthrax in cattle in Colorado since 2012. The herds were located in Sedgwick County in the northeast corner of the state.
Anthrax can occur naturally in Colorado’s soil. Bacterial spores can lie dormant in the ground for decades and can emerge in greater concentrations after rainstorms, flooding or excavation.
Anthrax occurs naturally around the world in wild and domestic hoofed animals, especially cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and antelopes. It can also occur in humans when they are exposed to the bacterium, usually through handling animals or animal hides <Link>.
Source: BEEF, July 29, 2022. Link.
Producers and veterinarians should refrain from performing field necropsies on suspected anthrax cases, due to the high risk of exposure to anthrax spores and possibility for human infection.” – Maggie Baldwin, DVM
Also see: Guide to understanding Anthrax, CDC. Link.