Cattle Anthrax Reported In North Dakota

North Dakota has reported state’s first case of anthrax this calendar year.

The Fargo Forum says the case was confirmed Thursday by North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory based on samples submitted by the Mandan Veterinary Clinic.

“Anthrax has been confirmed in a group of cows in a pasture in Sioux County,” says Susan Keller, the state's veterinarian. “Producers in past known affected areas should consult with their veterinarians to make sure the vaccination schedule for their animals is current. Producers in Sioux County and surrounding areas should confer with their veterinarians to determine if initiating first-time vaccinations against anthrax is warranted for their cattle.”

Dr. Keller says anthrax vaccines are available, but it takes about a week for immunity to be established, and it must be administered annually for continued protection.

The veterinarian advises advises ranchers in the region to take all appropriate caution to protect their livestock. While no anthrax cases were confirmed in North Dakota in 2016, two cases were identified in the state in 2015 in two counties.

[Source: the Fargo Forum]