Anthrax in British Columbia: 13 dead animals on a farm near Fort St. John

A diagnosis of naturally acquired anthrax was confirmed when 13 animals died on a farm near Fort St. John.

It is thought that the animals contracted the disease as a result of exposure to dormant anthrax spores in the soil of a feeding site, which is no longer used. No other loss on the farm, which has a herd of more than 150 animals, has been reported.

Anthrax is naturally present in farm animals in the Canadian Prairies and in northern Alberta. It is located in Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta. Bacteria can remain dormant in the soil under certain conditions for many years.

An effective anthrax vaccine for livestock is available and the rest of the flock of the infected farm will be vaccinated. Animals exposed to anthrax spores in the soil are often successfully treated if diagnosed early. Breeders seeking advice on preventing, diagnosing and treating cases of anthrax in their herds are encouraged to contact their veterinarian.

Although anthrax can affect humans, infection is very rare and there is no evidence that anyone has been in contact with infected animals. Public health officials have identified people who may have been in contact with the source of the infection and are following up directly with these people to badess their health and provide health advice. There is no risk to the health of the general public.

People handling infected animals or contaminated products may come into contact with the anthrax spores through cuts or scrapes on the skin, resulting in lesions and infection that can be treated with antibiotics.