State officials are confirming a case of anthrax in a group of cattle sold in a South Dakota market.
State veterinarian Beth Thompson said the herd originated in North Dakota.
A single animal died at an auction in South Dakota. A local vet worked with the state lab to confirm anthrax was the cause.
Thompson said the Animal Industry Board tracked down all the other cattle sold in the group to notify owners of the potential threat.
“Once again, the SD AIB is grateful for the dedicated private veterinarians we have in the state,” Thompson said. “Anthrax can be a devastating disease, and we were quickly able to determine the movement of exposed animals because the veterinarian took immediate action and the livestock market had complete records.”
Thompson said a consistent vaccination protocol is important to keep livestock free of disease. She said if anthrax is suspected in the death of an animal, contact your local veterinarian or the AIB at 605-773-3321 as soon as possible.