SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Anthrax has been confirmed in South Dakota for the first time this year in a beef herd located in Ziebach County, according to the South Dakota State Veterinarian.
Several dead animals were found in an unvaccinated herd of about 150 pairs, state veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson said in a news release.
Anthrax was confirmed by the animal research and diagnostic lab at South Dakota State University.
Anthrax spores survive indefinitely in soil and much of South Dakota has the potential of having contaminated soil, the news release said. Weather events, such as drought, floods and winds can expose the anthrax spores to livestock. Other factors that affect the spores are certain soil types, high humidity and high temperatures, which allow the anthrax spores to become infectious to grazing livestock
