CHEYENNE, WY – The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) reminds all livestock producers to vaccinate for anthrax in areas where it has previously occurred. Vaccinating livestock prior to grazing in anthrax endemic areas can prevent death loss and be economically advantageous for producers. Anthrax vaccination is not recommended for livestock grazing outside of anthrax endemic regions.
The anthrax vaccine is highly effective in preventing anthrax infection in livestock. The vaccine must be administered annually, prior to the grazing season, to be effective. Do not skip a year. A decrease in anthrax vaccine immunity will occur in your livestock, and death losses may occur from anthrax exposure.
In Wyoming, livestock grazing within a six-mile radius of the town of Elk Mountain should be vaccinated annually every spring. Since anthrax occurs sporadically, often due to weather conditions or soil disturbances, livestock should be vaccinated in all known endemic areas.
Consult with a veterinarian for guidance on anthrax vaccination. Cattle eight weeks of age and older should be vaccinated. Naive cattle should receive an initial vaccination and a booster two to three weeks later. Following the booster, cattle should be vaccinated annually each spring. For other livestock species, discuss vaccination with your veterinarian.
Anthrax vaccination is available by prescription through a veterinarian. For any questions regarding the risk of anthrax exposure or vaccination, contact a veterinarian.
Remember, anthrax is a reportable disease. In cases of mass morbidity or multiple unexplained sudden deaths in livestock, immediately report the incident to a veterinarian and WLSB Animal Health. Cases can be reported by calling WLSB at 307-777-7515 or using the online reporting form. Â Â
