Seven cattle recently died in the southeast of the province due to anthrax poisoning. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Anthrax

Provincial government has advice for livestock producers following deaths

Aug 31, 2019 | 8:30 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan is recommending cattle producers take some steps after a case of anthrax was reported in the province’s southeast.

Wendy Wilkins, disease surveillance veterinarian with the Ministry of Agriculture said seven animals have died after being poisoned by anthrax.

Wilkins explained anthrax spores are present in the soil given that Saskatchewan has a large amount of alkali, which allows the bacteria to survive better.

“These spores lay dormant in the soil for years,” she said.

When there are wet conditions the spores can rise to the service and float on water where they can end up in low lying areas. Wilkins said when conditions warm up and certain areas end up drying out, livestock can end up consuming the spores when they graze.

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Once the anthrax is ingested Wilkins said it grows quickly once inside an animal and then starts to release toxins.

“The next thing you know, the animal’s dead,” she said.

When it comes to protecting a herd, Wilkins said ranchers should look to vaccinate their animals on a yearly basis after consulting with their veterinarian to determine if they are at risk.

“The risk of anthrax in the area can be discussed and develop a plan going forward,” she said.

Wilkins said it is difficult to see early signs of anthrax poisoning in livestock, which makes early detection difficult. She said generally if an animal dies suddenly it could be a sign of anthrax poisoning.

In the event a producer loses an animal to anthrax, Wilkins said the carcass should be burned and the the bones buried to help stop the spread of contamination on the land.

Generally, Wilkins said the bacteria can spread when there are very wet conditions followed by very dry or drought conditions. However, she added this appears to not be the case with the most recent cases.

“I think the take home message is it’s unpredictable,” she said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn