Livestock Producers Warned About Anthrax Danger
DAKOTA - The North Dakota state veterinarian says recent heavy rainfall in portions of North Dakota should prompt livestock producers to take measures to protect their animals from anthrax.
9 May 2007
1 minute read
"Producers in areas that have had a recent history of anthrax should vaccinate their cattle and horses as soon as possible if they have not already done so," said Dr, Susan Keller. "Producers in these areas and throughout the state should be monitoring their herds for unexpected deaths and reporting them to their veterinarians or to animal health authorities."
Keller said the 2005 outbreak should serve as a warning about the danger of anthrax to grazing animals. More than 500 confirmed deaths from anthrax were reported that year, and total losses were estimated at more than 1,000 head, including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, llamas and farmed deer and elk.
Keller said anthrax vaccine is effective and readily available, but that it takes about a week for immunity to be established, and it must administered annually.
"Thanks in part to an extensive educational effort by veterinarians and extension encouraging producers to vaccinate their animals, we had only five confirmed cases last year," Keller said. "Producers should consult with their veterinarians to ensure that the vaccination schedule for their animals is maintained."
Source: FarmRanchGuide
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