July 26, 2010

North Dakota records third anthrax case in cattle

North Dakota has recorded its third case of anthrax in cattle this year, according to deputy state veterinarian Beth Carlson.

Earlier this month, an anthrax case was confirmed in Dickey County; while in May, an anthrax case was confirmed in eastern Sioux County.

State animal health officials are urging producers to have their cattle vaccinated against the illness and to report unexpected deaths in their herds to veterinarians.

Anthrax bacteria spores lie dormant in the ground and become active under conditions such as heavy rainfall, flooding or drought.

North Dakota usually has a few anthrax cases every year. In 2005, the disease resulted in an estimated 1,000 dead cattle, bison, horses, sheep, llamas and farmed deer and elk.