Bad year for anthrax outbreaks in US livestock

Weather and soil conditions in several areas of the United States are leading to record livestock losses from anthrax. This summer, approximately 400 animals have died in North and South Dakota, Texas, and Minnesota. Anthrax is endemic in grazing animals in some regions where previous cases have occurred. If animals that die from anthrax are not properly buried or incinerated, the bacterium that causes anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, can contaminate the ground under and around the carcass. The spores formed by B anthracis survive in the soil for decades, and heavy rain or construction-related disturbance can bring them to the surface, where grazing animals inhale or ingest them. The disease can be rapidly fatal in infected animals even before significant signs of illness have been noticed. South Dakota State Veterinarian Sam Holland said his state's outbreak began with a 660-head cattle and bison herd in Sully County. Since Jul 20, 155 animals from that herd have died, according to a Jul 29 press release. Anthrax has been confirmed in five additional herds, and laboratory test results are awaited for another four. Affected counties are located in the central and northeast parts of the state; Brown, Hyde, Marshall, Potter, and Sully counties all have confirmed or suspected infections. Nearly 200 animals have died in the state... North Dakota's producers are also experiencing extensive livestock losses from the disease. So far this year, approximately 200 grazing animals have died in 10 southeastern counties, according to an Aug 3 ProMED posting from Dr. Keller. A previous severe outbreak in North Dakota in 2000 killed nearly 150 animals. In Texas, the anthrax outbreak this year is notable not for the numbers but for the location. Anthrax in Texas livestock is reported nearly every year in the southwest region of the state, but recent discovery of the disease at two Sutton County ranches marks the first occurrence in that west central area in more than 20 years...Minnesota has also lost animals to anthrax this year. The outbreak includes an unusual case of apparent co-infection of a herd with bovine tuberculosis. Though not yet confirmed by the veterinary lab at North Dakota State University, anthrax is suspected in a herd of cattle already under quarantine for infection with bovine tuberculosis, according to Terry Boldingh, district veterinarian for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Bovine tuberculosis has not been seen in Minnesota since 1971....

===