(Dakota Radio Group News – Pierre, SD) The first confirmed case of Anthrax in South Dakota this year (2024) has been found in a beef cattle herd in Meade County.
State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson says herd vaccination, a quick response and veterinary oversight limited the number of affected animals to one calf in a herd of approximately 60 pairs. She says the adult cattle in the herd have been vaccinated within the past year.
Anthrax spores survive indefinitely in soil and significant weather events can expose the spores to livestock and become infectious. If left untreated, Anthrax can cause a large number of animals to die in a short amount of time.
Thompson says the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at South Dakota State University in Brookings confirmed the disease from samples submitted by the herd veterinarian. She says the Animal Industry Board has quarantined the affected herd, notified the neighboring herd owners and will quarantine any additional herds impacted.
Thompson says if a there’s a death in your herd, don’t move the suspect carcass until a diagnosis is made. She says if Anthrax did cause the death, the proper way to dispose of the dead animal is by burning and burying it.
If Anthrax is suspected, producers should contact their local veterinarian or the Animal Industry Board (605-773-3321) immediately.
