VET'S ADVICE

Special Edition Animal Bytes

Minnesoat Board of Animal Health

July 22, 2005

Board of Animal Health confirms seven CountyPolk cattle died of anthrax

State veterinarian urges area cattle producers to vaccinate their cattle for anthrax

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirmed today that seven beef cows from aPolkfarm died of anthrax earlier this week.These anthrax cases are the first inMinnesotasince 2001 when 21 farms in northwestern Minnesotawere affected by the disease.The herd will remain quarantined for 30 days after the last death.

On July 15, the first animal from a Polkbeef herd was found dead.Within a week, a total of seven animals had died. Blood samples were collected and sent to the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory inFargo, North Dakota.On July 22, the Board received confirmation from the lab that the samples were positive for anthrax.

Anthrax is a natural occurring bacterial disease of both animals and humans caused byBacillus anthracis.All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to the disease but cattle, sheep and goats are the most commonly affected.In rare cases, humans can contract anthrax after handling or eating infected products.The last reported human case of anthrax in Minnesota was in 1953. Anthrax is not spread by animal to animal contact.

In Minnesota, approximately 200 farms have had animals diagnosed with anthrax since it was first reported in the state in 1909.Grazing animals are most likely to become affected by anthrax in the summer after periods of heavy rain, flooding, or excavation.Cases typically occur in areas where animals have previously died of anthrax.

"Heavy rain and flooding bring the spores to the surface where grazing animals ingest them," said Minnesota Board of Animal Health Executive Director and State Veterinarian Dr. Bill Hartmann."We encourage all livestock producers in northwestern Minnesotawhere flooding occurred earlier this year to vaccinate their livestock for anthrax."Information on vaccinating animals can be obtained by contacting a veterinarian.

Any animal that dies suddenly of unknown causes in northwestern Minnesota should be treated as an anthrax suspect.Producers should contact their veterinarian immediately so blood samples can be submitted for testing.Any remaining animals should be vaccinated and treated for anthrax. Autopsies are should not be preformed on suspect carcasses as the procedure can result in contamination of surrounding soil.After confirmation of the disease, carcasses must be incinerated onsite.All suspect cases of anthrax must be reported to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942.

For more information on anthrax and steps farmers can take to protect their cattle, log onto the Board's website at www.bah.state.mn.us.