Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Case of anthrax confirmed in North Dakota

Disease confirmed in Grand Forks County

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

Farmers and livestock producers in North Dakota are being encouraged to protect their animals from anthrax after the discovery of the disease in a cow.

“Anthrax has been confirmed in a Grand Forks County beef cow,” said State veterinarian Dr. Susan Keller. “Producers should consult with their veterinarians to make sure the vaccination schedule for their animals is up to date.”

Anthrax

Anthrax is caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacteria. The spores can remain dormant in the ground for decades before activating. Conditions including heavy rain, flooding and drought can increase the chances of the spores becoming active. The animals become exposed through grazing and drinking water contaminated with the bacteria.

“With the precipitation we have had, conditions are right for the disease to occur,” Dr. Keller said.

A few cases are reported in North Dakota almost every year, however 2005 saw more than 500 animal deaths attributed to anthrax, including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, llamas, farmed deer and elk.

Vaccines are readily available, but it could take about a week before immunity is achieved. They must also be given annually.

Symptoms of anthrax can include:

  • Sudden staggering
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Trembling
  • Collapse
  • Colic may appear in horses
  • Illness may last up to 5 days, followed by a period where the animal may charge at anyone
  • Depression in cattle and sheep

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture made an anthrax fact sheet available.


Trending Video

US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops

Video: US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops


A dry August and a “flash drought” in the ECB (Eastern Corn Belt) the driest top 10 to 15 years in 150 to 160 years (Ohio the driest in 133 years) plus disease is taking a bite out of the 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops.
It's going to be an early harvest. This could be the start of the 89-year drought cycle that may have been delayed until 2026 as La Nina maybe returning.
The USDA September crop report is all about record corn ears and record soybean counts but the October USDA crop report will be about pod and ear weights.
Stats Canada reported higher forecasts for the 2025 Canadian Prairies all wheat and canola crops vs. last year based on satellite imagery but are they overestimating production?
The 2025 Great ON Yield Tour and Quebec crop tours are projecting corn and soybean crops below the 10-year average.
China's Vice Commerce Ministry Li Chenggang visits Washington this week as we continue to connect the dots is a positive sign towards a China/U.S. trade deal. But will U.S. farmers have a winter without China as they buy more soybeans from Uruguay/Argentina? U.S. Northern Plain soybean farmers are seeing red with flat prices at $8.97/bu!
U.S. corn exports on record pace up 99% vs. last year.
Fund short covering continues in corn futures bottom is in!