Saskatchewan’s Chief Veterinary Officer says Anthrax was confirmed in the death of a cow last week near Harris.
Dr Betty Althouse says Anthrax is also suspected in the deaths of two other cattle from the same herd.
Anthrax related deaths tend to happen more often in the summer when the animals are out on pasture.
“The winter consumed bails that were usually low lying in a bit of soil packed up with them. So the animals are still consuming spores from the soil but at least the soil is bailed up.”
Earlier this summer Anthrax was determined to be the cause of death in another cow that died in the Harris area and a Bison from North Battleford.
Dr. Althouse adds anthrax cases in the area are not uncommon.
“There have been cases in the RM of Harris historically as well so it’s not unusual to have anthrax cases in that area. I think it’s important to remember really much of Saskatchewan has suitable conditions for anthrax and you need to be aware of those local conditions and vaccinate where it’s appropriate.”
Source : Discoverestevan