Anthrax claims cattle in two South Dakota herds

Two South Dakota cattle herds, including one near the Nebraska border, have lost cattle due to anthrax.

South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says four adult cattle died last week in a herd in Bon Homme County, which is along the Missouri River, just north of Nebraska.

Oedekoven said that herd had not been vaccinated against the disease. He said anthrax spores survive indefinitely in contaminated alkaline soils and nearly all areas of South Dakota have the potential of experiencing an outbreak under ideal climatic conditions.

Significant climate changes such as drought, floods and wind can expose anthrax spores to grazing livestock, according to a news release.

Livestock producers are advised that anthrax should be suspected in cases of sudden death loss. Affected animals are often found dead with no prior illness detected. Suspicious cases should be reported immediately to a veterinarian. Oedekoven said a anthrax is transmissible to people and other animals.

Officials say an effective vaccine is available to protect livestock from anthrax.

Earlier in the week, South Dakota officials confirmed 8 cows died from a herd of 87 in the northeast part of the state.

Officials say anthrax is an economically devastating disease for the livestock industry because it can cause the rapid loss of a large number of animals in a short time. Affected livestock are often found dead with no illness detected.

Strict enforcement of quarantines and proper burning and burying of carcasses suspected to have died from anthrax is important to prevent further soil contamination with the bacterial spores