First case of anthrax in a herd of cattle in 2026 found in South Dakota

The first case of cattle anthrax in 2026 has been confirmed in a beef herd in Meade County. According to state veterinarian Dr. Mendel Miller, cattle first began dying while grazing in Butte county which is where it is believed the cattle was first exposed. The cattle were later moved to Meade County where they continued to show symptoms. The Animal Industry Board has quarantine the affected animals and notified neighboring herd owners. Anthrax is a deadly bacterial disease caused by spores that live in the soil. These spores can lie dormant for years and are often triggered by extreme weather like flooding or drought, causing sudden death in livestock. This is the first confirmed case of anthrax since 2024.