Officials confirm anthrax in cattle
Herd is quarantined, getting vaccinated
State officials confirmed a case of anthrax in livestock for the first time in 25 years.
The Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the case among cattle in Jackson County in southwest Oklahoma last week.
Officials said the affected area is under quarantine and the exposed herd will be vaccinated for anthrax to prevent further spread.
They said the food supply is not affected.
“We have been working closely with our state partners concerning any risk to human health,” said Morgan Vance, spokesperson for the state Agriculture, Food and Forestry Department told The Oklahoman. “Anthrax in livestock occurs sporadically when the weather and soil conditions are conducive for its spread. Anthrax in livestock is not new to Oklahoma and the last known confirmation occurred in 1996 in Payne County.”
Officials confirmed a cow carcass has been incinerated to keep other animals from being exposed.
Vance said Texas also is experiencing cases of anthrax in livestock in Hardeman County, just across the border from Oklahoma’s Jackson County.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service say many common species are susceptible to anthrax. These include sheep, goats, horses, cattle, swine and domestic or exotic deer.
Cats and dogs also are susceptible though researchers say those cases are rare.
Anthrax can be found naturally in soil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.