Anthrax in Cattle

Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring bacterium that is ubiquitous throughout the world.     

The spore-forming bacteria can survive in soil for years to decades and may cause sporadic outbreaks. Outbreaks often occur after periods of drought followed by heavy rainfall. 

Livestock and wildlife can become infected by inhaling or ingesting spores from contaminated soil, plants or water. Clinical signs of anthrax in livestock include sudden death, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, fever and bloody diarrhea. 

 

Symptoms Include: 

  • Sudden death (most common) 
    • +/- Lack of rigor mortis 
    • +/- Blood around body openings 
  • Weakness or staggering 
  • Fever 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Bloody diarrhea 
 

Producers and veterinarians should remain vigilant when investigating sudden or unexplained livestock deaths in areas of the state that have been previously identified as reservoirs for the anthrax spore.  If, for any reason, an animal is thought to have died from exposure to anthrax, a post-mortem examination is NOT advised due to the likelihood of the person conducting the exam being exposed to the disease. Producers and veterinarians should contact the State Veterinarian’s office to report their concern.  

 ANTHRAX- Guidance for Producers

ANTHRAX Guidance for Veterinarians

 

ISDA Response 

One of ISDA’s primary goals is to support industry-driven programs that mitigate the transmission of diseases that cause on-farm economic losses. ISDA’s response to the recent detection of Anthrax in cattle aligns with standard animal disease detection procedure. 

Following confirmation of the positive detection, the affected herd was placed under quarantine. For any anthrax-affected herd, the quarantine will be released thirty (30) days after all dead carcasses have been properly disposed of and all exposed cattle have received both a primary and booster vaccine to prevent infection. 

 

IF YOU SUSPECT ANTHRAX 

  • DO NOT open the carcass 
  • DO NOT move the carcass 
  • REPORT to the State Veterinarian 
 

If Your Cattle Appear to be Infected 

  • Implement a 30-day quarantine 
  • Prohibit movement of hides and/or wool 
  • Dispose of carcasses by burning them in place. 
  • Relocate exposed animals to a clean pasture. 
  • Vaccinate all susceptible livestock. 
  • Observe withdrawal times: 42 days for meat, 0 days for milk. 
  • If treating with penicillin, delay vaccination as directed. 

Livestock owners who suspect anthrax should contact their veterinarian or the Idaho State Veterinarian’s office at (208) 332-8540 or ID-DVM@isda.idaho.gov.

 

Consumer Safety 

None of the infected cattle entered the food supply, and there is no threat to food safety associated with this detection.