Two confirmed cases of anthrax in North Dakota are a reminder to livestock producers to take action to protect their animals from the disease, especially in areas with a history of the disease. Effective anthrax vaccines are readily available, but it takes about a week for immunity to be established and must be administered annually for continued protection.
Source: BEEF, July 28, 2023. Link. Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. The bacterial spores can lie dormant in the ground for decades and become active under ideal conditions, such as heavy rainfall, flooding and drought. Animals are exposed to the disease when they graze or consume forage or water contaminated with the spores.
INSIGHTS: Drought conditions have forced producers to sell off animals as well as seek hay across the upper Midwest. Knowing the vaccine status of new animals and forage sources is important to anthrax vigilance. It is something for veterinary teams to discuss with producers buying cattle from other regions.