Map showing locations of confirmed anthrax cases in 2019, plus the red zone where anthrax historically is found in Texas.Since the July 9, 2019, update, anthrax has been detected on three additional premises in southwest Sutton County and one premises in south central Crockett County. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) quarantined the premises after animals tested positive for the reportable disease.
To date, eight premises in three Texas counties have had animals confirmed with anthrax. Animals include the following species: antelope, goat, horses and cattle. Producers have been advised on vaccinating exposed animals and instructed on the proper disposal of affected carcasses, as outlined by TAHC’s rules. Anthrax quarantines are typically lifted 10 days from vaccination or the last death loss.
It is common to see an increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions. During these conditions, animals ingest the anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay, or inhale the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.
There is an effective anthrax vaccine available for use in susceptible livestock (includes, but is not limited to, swine, equine, sheep, goats and cattle). TAHC encourages livestock owners to consult with a local veterinary practitioner and consider vaccinating livestock if owners live within the triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. Producers can order anthrax vaccines directly from the manufacturer.
After exposure to anthrax, it usually takes three to seven days for animals to show symptoms of anthrax. Once symptoms begin, death will usually occur within 48 hours. Acute fever followed by rapid death with bleeding from body openings, are all common signs of anthrax in livestock. Owners of livestock and animals displaying signs consistent with anthrax or experiencing death of animals should contact a private veterinary practitioner or a TAHC official.
Producers are encouraged to follow basic sanitation precautions when handling affected livestock or carcasses. It is recommended to wear protective gloves, long sleeve shirts and to wash thoroughly afterward to prevent accidental spread of the bacteria to people. For more information on how anthrax affects humans, please visit https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/anthrax/information/faqs/.
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides benefits to eligible livestock owners for livestock deaths caused by eligible loss conditions. Anthrax is identified as an eligible disease. For more information about the LIP program visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2019/livestock_indemnity_program-fact_sheet.pdf or call your local Farm Service Agency.
For more information about Anthrax, visit the TAHC website.
Statistics through July 15, 2019Past 2019 Anthrax Situational Updates:
- July 9, 2019 Update: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2019/2019-07-09_AnthraxUpdate.pdf
- June 21, 2019 Initial Case: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2019/2019-06-21_Anthrax.pdf.
TAHC will continue to send weekly updates as long as new cases are confirmed.
