South Dakota has seen its first confirmed cases of anthrax this year. State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says 9 cattle from a ranch herd in Pennington County died from the disease. He says drought and a significant change in climate brings on increased risk of anthrax.
He recommends livestock producers in or near the area where the outbreak occurred should consider vaccinating.
Oedekoven says if producers haven’t yet vaccinated for the disease, they should consult with their local Vet and decide whether or not to go ahead with it.
Oedekoven says South Dakota had its worst outbreak of anthrax in the drought year of 2005 when 55 cases were reported, many of them along the Missouri River.
(WNAX)