Anthrax confirmed in South Dakota

Anthrax has been confirmed in South Dakota for the first time this year in a beef herd in Ziebach County.

State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson says several animals were found dead in an unvaccinated herd of 150 pairs. The Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at SDSU confirmed it was anthrax. The Animal Industry Board has quarantined the affected herd.

Thompson says vaccination and other preventative actions by herd owners are important for herd health, especially in the summer months.

Anthrax can cause the rapid loss of many animals in a short time. Anthrax spores survive indefinitely in soil and much of South Dakota has the potential of having contaminated soil.

Drought, floods and winds can expose the anthrax spores to livestock.

 

September 14, 2023