Anthrax outbreak on Swan Hill sheep property spurs mid-life

An outbreak of anthrax on a Swan Hill property led to the elimination and vaccination of sheep by Agriculture Victoria's veterinarians and animal health staff.

Dr. Charles Milne, chief veterinarian of Victoria, said that about 30 sheep had died of the disease and that he thought that they had caught the disease of coal on the property.

Agriculture Victoria reacted to the positive identification of anthrax on a property near Swan Hill over the weekend.

Dr. Milne stated that the affected property had been quarantined and that the appropriate biosecurity protections were in place.

"We urge local farmers to remain vigilant and report any symptoms of livestock that may be linked to anthrax," he said.

The anthrax is caused by a natural bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, that exists in the soil in parts of northern Victoria.

Dr. Milne stated that all the sheep on the affected property had now been vaccinated and that appropriate disposal measures were in place today. Current evidence suggests that one property has been affected.

Dr. Milne said that it was not unusual that anthrax cases were detected in cattle and sheep in the area. Several farms in the Swan Hill area were affected in March 2017 and one property in March of this year.

Incidents tend to occur during the warmer months, when it is drier and the fodder animals sink deeper into the soil when they eat the grass, said Dr. Milne.

"We are well prepared to handle these incidents and we are contacting local farmers and veterinarians."

Anthrax is not a concern for the public, although Dr. Milne has stated that the risk of infection by people is very low.

Anthrax does not spread quickly and is not contagious and there is no general risk to public health associated with anthrax, said Agriculture Victoria.

All risk is limited to people handling dead livestock, such as farmers, veterinarians and market workers. There is no impact on local products or food security.

Agriculture Victoria said it would continue to work with farmers, veterinarians and the local community nearby to monitor the situation. Farmers are urged to report any unexplained livestock deaths to the 24-hour Animal Disease Surveillance Hotline at 1-800-675-888, their local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Animal Health staff.

Source: Agriculture Victoria.