Case of Animal Anthrax Confirmed in North Dakota Steer - Cowsmo

Case of Animal Anthrax Confirmed in North Dakota Steer

State Veterinarian Susan Keller is reminding North Dakota ranchers to make sure their livestock are vaccinated against anthrax after the second confirmed case of the year.

An Agriculture Department spokeswoman said Wednesday the case was confirmed in a Kidder County steer last week. Keller says producers should make sure vaccination schedules are current.

Keller says it takes about a week for immunity to be established.

Anthrax bacteria spores lie dormant in the soil and become active under extreme weather conditions such as drought or flooding. Livestock grazing where spores are present can get infected by consuming or breathing the spores.

North Dakota typically has a few cases of animal anthrax every year. The state’s first anthrax case this year was confirmed in a Grand Forks County cow in June.

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