Livestock Producers Warned of Anthrax Danger

| 10/1/2012

NDSU`s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed the first case of anthrax in the state this year. A beef cow in Stark County was diagnosed with the disease. Livestock producers are advised to protect their animals from the disease. State Veterinarian Dr. Susan Keller says that a vaccine is available through licensed veterinarians.

"Producers should contact their veterinarians to determine when and if their animals should be vaccinated and that their boosters are up to date," she said. "They should also monitor their herds for unexpected deaths and report them to their veterinarians."

Keller said dry pastures and short grass in some parts of the state are ideal conditions for livestock to ingest anthrax spores and develop the disease.

Anthrax information is available on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture website at www.nd.gov/ndda/disease/anthrax.

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