Anthrax Causes Cattle Deaths In Wyoming

Anthrax has been confirmed in multiple beef herds located in Carbon County, WY.

This would be the first reported case in the cowboy state since the 1970s.

Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) confirmed the diagnosis on August 31.

Anthrax is a bacterial and is naturally occurring.

It's possible that the disease survived in the soil for years or even decades.

A little heavy rain can rejuvenate and attach to plants that the cattle will eat.

Obvious signs of the disease in cattle include sudden death, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, fever, and bloody diarrhoea.

The Northern Ag Network reported multiple cases on their video news channel.

The Wyoming Livestock Board will work with cattle producers to stop the spread and watch for human exposure.

“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 limithuman exposure through recommendations for carcass disposal and vaccination. Anthrax vaccine is approved for multiple livestock species and highly effective.”

Livestock owners experiencing clinical signs consistent with anthrax or sudden death should contact their private veterinary practitioner or the Wyoming Livestock Board, 307.777.7515,  or send an E-mail to lsbformsapplications@wyo.gov.

You can find out more by visiting the Wyoming Livestock Board website at this link.

Important information can be found on their Press Release Page.