May 17, 2010

South Dakota veterinarian calls for anthrax vaccinations for cattle

Veterinarian Russ Daly said anthrax, which is caused by bacteria that can exist as spores in the soil for long periods of time, could arise this summer due to conditions that follow a wet spring.

"One of the environmental factors that may aid in making the anthrax spores available to cattle is the disruptive action of flooding on pastures," Daly said. "Flooding can wash anthrax spores up from lower levels of the soil, and the spores can be deposited on grass and other forage cows eat."

Daly cited a 2005 survey that found standing water on pastures as a potential risk factor for losses due to anthrax.

"While ranchers in some parts of South Dakota have made anthrax vaccine a routine part of their pasture turnout programme for many years, it’s important to realise that most areas within the state have, at one time or another, experienced losses due to anthrax," Daly said.

Daly added that it is not always easy to predict where conditions will be right for the development of the disease. Like other veterinarians around the state, Daly encourages all producers to use anthrax vaccine, especially in areas that were previously flooded.

The vaccine is widely available, inexpensive, and effective, Daly said. One dose of vaccine at pasture turnout is generally effective for the whole grazing season.