The Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced this week that the state has its first anthrax case in animals in more than a decade. A property in Kittson County is under quarantine after multiple cattle and a horse were affected. The Board is now encouraging producers to keep their livestock up to date on anthrax vaccinations, especially in northwest Minnesota.
“One of the reasons we don’t see a lot of anthrax cases in the state anymore is because we have proactive measures to protect livestock like vaccinations,” said Dr. Katie Cornille, who oversees the Board’s bovine programs. “With this detection in Kittson County, livestock producers who graze their animals on pasture in and around the county should talk to their veterinarian about vaccinating their animals if they aren’t already.”
Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, which can emerge in greater concentrations after rainstorms, flooding, or excavation. Typically occurring in the summer months, Anthrax mainly affects livestock that grazes on pasture—especially animals that are ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats.
According to a statement released by the Board, most animals will end up dying before you spot any signs of Anthrax infection.
Source: kmzu.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Goats & Sheep