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DI UpdateAnthrax in Minnesota |
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What is anthrax? Anthrax is
an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
Anthrax has been reported worldwide and in nearly every state in the United States. As of October 2001, Minnesota's last reported human case was in 1953. In 2001, 86 cattle, 2 horses, and 2 white-tailed deer deaths were reported in Roseau, Kittson, Polk, and Marshall counties. Anthrax had not been diagnosed in any of these counties before 2000. Flooding may have introduced the bacteria into the area. How do animals become infected? Animals, particularly cattle and sheep, are mainly infected while grazing anthrax-contaminated areas. Anthrax spores can remain alive in soil for decades and flooding can bring the spores to the surface. Animals may also be infected by eating inadequately processed, contaminated feedstuffs of animal origin, such as blood meal or bone meal. Ruminants are the species most commonly affected with the most severe form of the disease, in which death may occur without warning. This is often reported as a "lightning death." A second form of anthrax may result in fever, depression, convulsions and difficult breathing. Death occurs in about 24 hours. Animals may hemorrhage from the mouth, nose, and anus. Chronic anthrax presents as a swollen throat. Death can be caused from suffocation. This form of illness has been reported most often in swine, but also occurs in horses and dogs. If diagnosed early, aggressive treatment with antibiotics can result in recovery. What should dairy farmers know and do? Although there have been no known outbreaks of anthrax in dairy herds in Minnesota, be alert! Report any suspicious sickness in animals to your veterinarian. Call your veterinarian to rule out the possibility of anthrax when animals die suddenly without seeming sick, especially during the summer and early fall. If anthrax is diagnosed, follow your veterinarian's advice regarding animal disposal as well as anthrax treatment and control. |
For more information:Center
for Animal Health and Food Safety |
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