In May, Saskatchewan Agriculture 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.”