State Veterinarian Encourages Vaccination Against Anthrax
With warm weather around the corner, now is the time to vaccinate for anthrax.
The state veterinarian of Texas encourages livestock owners within and near the area of last year’s outbreak to have their animals vaccinated against anthrax this spring.
To be effective, the vaccine must be administered two to four weeks before a normal outbreak, usually in early spring.
“Following last year’s outbreak in southwest Texas, we encourage livestock owners in the previously affected and surrounding area to consult with their veterinarian about vaccinating animals before warmer weather arrives.” said Andy Schwartz, Texas state veterinarian and executive director. “The anthrax vaccine is dependable and proven to protect livestock from the disease.”
To be effective, the vaccine must be administered two to four weeks before a normal outbreak, usually in early spring. The vaccine is available for use in swine, equine, sheep, goats and cattle. There is no approved vaccine for use in deer.
| In Texas, anthrax cases are most often confined to a triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. This area includes portions of Crockett, Edwards, Kinney, Maverick, Sutton and Val Verde counties. |
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It is common to see an increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions. At that time, animals ingest the anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay or inhale the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.
In 2019, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received 20 confirmations of anthrax in five Texas counties: Crockett, Edwards, Kinney, Maverick, Sutton and Val Verde. In an effort to gain better understanding of factors that may have contributed to the outbreak, the TAHC, USDA, and Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) created a survey for landowners in the affected area. To participate in the survey, please call 512-719-0716.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis; a spore-forming bacterium that can remain alive but dormant in the soil for several years. Upon becoming infected, animals typically display symptoms of anthrax within three to seven days. Once symptoms begin, death will usually occur within 48 hours. Anthrax is a reportable disease to the TAHC, and anyone suspecting anthrax should notify a local veterinarian or the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.
For more information on anthrax, visit these links: Animal Health, 2019 Anthrax Outbreak Summary, Human Health.
Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Texas Animal Health Commission.
