SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Anthrax was confirmed in a group of cattle at a South Dakota auction market, according to the SD Animal Industry Board Wednesday.
According to a news release, the cattle originated from North Dakota but were moved through a South Dakota auction market. Officials said after one of the cows died at the auction, a SD veterinarian took samples and they were quickly sent to the SDSU Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.
The South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB) tracked the group of cattle and the owners were notified of the potential threat.
It is unknown what auction market the cattle death occurred at.
“Anthrax can be a devastating disease, and we were quickly able to determine the movement of exposed animals because the veterinarian took immediate action and the livestock market had complete records,” said SD State Veterinarian, Beth Thompson in the press release.
In 2023, Thompson told KELOLAND News there is a strict process for identifying, testing and confirming anthrax in livestock. The process also includes strict disposal steps.
When anthrax is detected in the lab, the herd needs to be quarantined, Thompson said.
Officials said ranchers should consistently vaccinate their livestock with the Anthrax vaccine to protect their herds.
Anthrax can kill many cattle in a short amount of time and many are often found dead before a diagnoses. Anthrax spores are in the soil in many states including South Dakota. Weather conditions such as drought, floods, high humidity and high temperatures allow the spores to become infectious to grazing livestock.
If Anthrax is suspected, contact your veterinarian or the AIB at 605-773-3321 promptly. The AIB recommends not moving animal carcasses until a diagnosis is made. If the animal tests positive for Anthrax, proper burning and burying is important to help prevent spreading to other cattle.
