Additional Texas Anthrax Cases

Anthrax has been detected on four new premises, two each in Crockett and Sutton Counties in Texas.

Antrhax has spread within Crockett and Sutton Counties in Texas. iStock

Since the July 29, 2019, Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) anthrax update, the disease has been detected on two new premises in Crockett County and two new premises in Sutton County. Anthrax was previously confirmed in both counties this year.

The newly identified premises are located in the following areas:

  • One premises is in central Crockett County
  • One premises is in east central Crockett County
  • One premises is in northwest Sutton County
  • One premises is in central Sutton County

The Texas Animal Health Commission quarantined the premises after animals tested positive for the reportable disease. Anthrax quarantines are typically lifted 10 days from vaccination or the last death loss.

To date, 18 premises in five Texas counties have had animals confirmed with anthrax. Animals include the following species: antelope, goat, horse, deer and cattle. Producers have been advised on vaccinating exposed animals and have been instructed on the proper disposal of affected carcasses, as outlined by TAHC’s rules.

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, cattle, etc.). TAHC encourages livestock owners to consult with a local veterinary practitioner and consider vaccinating livestock in areas where anthrax is historically found in Crockett, Uvalde, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney and Maverick Counties. Producers may order anthrax vaccines directly from the manufacturer.

After exposure to anthrax, it usually takes three to seven days for animals to show signs of anthrax. Once clinical signs 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 symptoms 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 visithttps://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 this page.

TAHC will continue to send weekly updates as long as new cases are confirmed.

categories
tags
Trending Articles
Old white horse on pasture
‘Free to a Good Home’: When Owners Can No Longer Afford Their Horses 
portrait of beautiful holstein grey stallion horse on red forest background
Disease Du Jour: Nuchal Bursitis in Horses
pack mules Grand Canyon
Disease Du Jour Podcast: Donkey and Mule Care
stethoscope computer spreadsheet
Daily Vet Life Podcast: Business Tips for Mixed Practices
Newsletter
Get the best from EquiManagement delivered straight to your inbox once a week! Topics include horse care, disease alerts, and vet practitioner updates.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Untitled
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.