The infected cattle are in the RM of Paynton
Saskatchewan Agriculture has confirmed anthrax in a cattle herd.
Lab results on May 13 validated that anthrax caused deaths in livestock in the RM of Paynton No. 470.
The bacteria Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax.
These bacteria can survive in soil as spores for decades.
The spores are brought to the surface when the ground is disturbed by erosion, heavy rain or other factors.
“Spores can concentrate in sloughs and potholes, and the risk of animal exposure to anthrax increases in drier years when these areas dry up and become accessible,” Saskatchewan Agriculture said in a May 14 release. “Spores can also surface when the ground is excavated or when there is excessive run-off.”
One challenge with anthrax is how fast it can spread through an animal’s system.
The spread can happen so quickly an animal can die within hours of ingesting spores without showing any symptoms.
“Affected animals are usually found dead without any signs of illness,” the release says.
Some symptoms, however, can include trembling, high temperature, difficulty breathing and convulsions.
Vaccination is the best way to protect livestock from anthrax infections.
The Sterne vaccine is the only licensed anthrax vaccine in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says.
This vaccine can prevent anthrax for about one year.
The Beef Cattle Research Council encourages producers to continue with vaccines even if they haven’t experienced anthrax in years.
“While it is tempting to discontinue vaccination when cases have not occurred in the higher risk area for years, it is important to remember that spores can survive for decades and can easily resurface with changes in farming practices or weather patterns, so the risk is still present,” the BCRC said.