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Since June 19, 2019, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has received confirmation of three more cases of anthrax in the Texas region, where anthrax has always been observed.
The first case of anthrax of the year was confirmed on June 19, 2019 in a captive antelope in a county of Uvalde County. on July 4, it was confirmed that the cattle were already infected with anthrax in separate locations in Sutton County on July 4th.
All premises were quarantined and producers were informed of the vaccination of the exposed animals and the proper disposal of the affected carcbades, as indicated in Rules of TAHC. As a rule, quarantines are lifted 10 days after vaccination or after the last death.
"It is common to see an increase in the number of cases of anthrax after periods of wet and cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions," said Dr. Andy Schwartz, executive director of CSTA. "Under these conditions, the animals ingest the anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grbad and hay or inhale the spores. Epidemics usually end with the onset of cold weather.
An effective anthrax vaccine is available for susceptible livestock (including pigs, equines, sheep, goats, cattle, wildlife, etc.) in high risk areas. TAHC encourages livestock owners to consult a local veterinary practitioner and vaccinate animals if they live in the triangular area bounded by the cities of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pbad. Producers can order anthrax vaccines directly from the manufacturer.
After exposure to anthrax, it usually takes three to seven days for animals to present the symptoms of anthrax. Once symptoms appear, death usually occurs within 48 hours. An acute fever followed by a rapid death accompanied by bleeding caused by the openings of the body are common signs of anthrax in livestock. Owners of livestock and animals displaying Signs suggestive of anthrax or death of animals should be directed to a private veterinarian or a TAHC official.
Producers are encouraged to follow basic hygienic precautions when handling livestock or affected carcbades. It is recommended to wear protective gloves and long sleeved shirts and to wash carefully afterwards to prevent the accidental spread of the bacteria to people. For more information on the effects of anthrax on humans, check out the following page: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/anthrax/information/faqs/.
For more information on anthrax, visit www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_Anthrax.pdf, contact your local TAHC office or visit www.tahc.texas.gov.
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