Anthrax has been confirmed in multiple beef herds located in Carbon County, Wyo, according to a Wyoming Livestock Board release. This is the first confirmed anthrax in Wyoming cattle since the 1970s. The Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis late Saturday afternoon, Aug. 31. Both WSVL and private veterinarians were essential in the diagnosis of anthrax impacting several herds in the region.
“Multiple state agencies and private veterinarians responded quickly following the anthrax diagnosis by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory. Protecting animal and human health is critical upon diagnosis of a zoonotic disease,” says Dr. Hallie Hasel, Wyoming State Veterinarian. “The Wyoming Livestock Board will continue working with producers and private veterinarians to reduce further spread and limit
human exposure through recommendations for carcass disposal and vaccination. Anthrax vaccine is approved for multiple livestock species and highly effective.”
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution. The spore-forming bacteria may survive in the soil for years to decades, resultingin sporadic outbreaks, which usually occur after periods of drought followed by heavy rain. Domestic and wild animals may become infected when they breathe or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water. Clinical signs of anthrax in livestock include sudden death, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, fever and bloody diarrhea.
Owners of livestock experiencing clinical signs consistent with anthrax or sudden death should contact their private veterinary practitioner or the Wyoming Livestock Board, 307.777.7515, lsbformsapplications@wyo.gov.
