PIERRE, S.D. – Anthrax has been confirmed in South Dakota in a beef herd located in Meade County. This is the first confirmed case of Anthrax in 2024.
According to South Dakota State Veterinarian, Dr. Beth Thompson, herd vaccination, a quick response, and veterinary oversight limited the number of affected cattle to one calf in a herd of approximately 60 pairs. The adult cattle in the herd have been vaccinated within the past year.
The Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at SDSU confirmed the disease from samples submitted by the herd veterinarian. The Animal Industry Board has quarantined the affected herd, notified the neighboring herd owners, and will quarantine any additional herds impacted.
“Veterinary oversight is important when faced with disease concerns, and the Animal Industry Board will continue to work with ranchers and private veterinarians to quickly respond to anthrax,” said Dr. Thompson. “The Anthrax vaccine has also been proven to be effective and allows ranchers to take steps to protect their herd.”
⌊ Bovine Trichomoniasis Reported In Bennett County Herd ⌋
If Anthrax is suspected, contact your local veterinarian or the Animal Industry Board at 605-773-3321. If death in your herd occurs, do not move the suspect carcasses until a diagnosis is made.
The proper handling of affected carcasses by burning and burying them is important to help prevent additional impacts.
Anthrax is a devastating disease for livestock which can cause rapid loss of animals in a short amount of time. Anthrax spores survive indefinitely in soil and significant weather events can expose the spores to livestock and become infectious
