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Anthrax found on southern Indiana beef farm

Anthrax has been diagnosed on a Southern Indiana beef farm.

But, Denise Derrer with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) stresses the situation does not pose a public health threat.  “The animal didn’t leave the site,” she says.  “This is an isolated case and there is no reason for anybody to be worried.”

Only a single, mixed-breed bull died and all other animals in the herd have not shown signs of infection.

Derrer says the infected animal was incinerated on-site and BOAH has placed the farm under a 30-day quarantine and observation order.  “They are working with a local veterinarian to make sure that if any other animals become sick that the appropriate treatments are happening,” she says.  “We’ve also recommended vaccinations.  There is a very good vaccine available for anthrax.  We’re hoping this is going to stay in one spot.”

Anthrax is not an uncommon finding in livestock in Western states, but it is unusual for Indiana.  The department’s historic records do indicate the last time the disease was found in the state.

She says grazing animals are at highest risk of contraction.  “Because the grazing pattern is so close to the ground where the spores are found,” she says.  “There is a higher risk of grazing animals consuming things like plant roots and the soil.”

Even though this is a rare occurrence, Derrer says livestock and horse owners should be aware of the signs of disease.

AUDIO: Denise Derrer, Indiana State Board of Animal Health

Signs of Anthrax

Clinical signs of anthrax vary by species and the means by which the animal is infected:

• Infection that occurs via the mouth or nostrils will produce signs quickly, followed by sudden death. Signs of infection may not be noticed.
• Sudden death is often accompanied by bleeding from body openings. The carcass will generally bloat and decompose rapidly. Blood will have contain a high level of bacteria and should be avoided.
• Less acute infections may cause the animal to stagger, have difficulty breathing, tremble, collapse and die. Horses may have colic. Edema and swelling may be seen over the body, particularly at the brisket. Illness is observed for 1 or 2 days, but it may last 5 days; signs are preceded by fever, with a period of excitement in which the animal may charge anyone nearby. This is followed by depression in cattle or sheep.
• The anthrax organism may sometimes localize in the throat area. The tongue, throat and neck are extremely swollen and a frothy blood-tinged discharge comes from the mouth. Although this is the typical form of anthrax observed in swine, it may also occur in cattle and sheep.
• Skin infections will occur around the point of entry from an injury or insect bite. The affected area initially is hot and swollen and becomes cold and insensitive. Later, the infection can become generalized.

What To Do

• Contact a veterinarian immediately about any clinical signs that suggest anthrax.
• Isolate the animal/carcass as much as possible from other animals (including farm pets, wildlife, etc.) and people.
• This may include penning live animal(s).
• For carcasses, tarping can help minimize contact.
• Do not move the animal from the site.