September 5, 2024 |
Photo – Cow infected with anthrax – Courtesy FarmLink Kenya web page
Representatives from Wyoming Game and Fish and the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory met with local ranchers to discuss an anthrax outbreak on the eastern side of Carbon County.
Last night state officials held a meeting at the Elk Mountain fire hall to discuss a recent anthrax outbreak among local cattle in the area. Since being identified last week, the bacterial infection has led to the death of roughly 50 cattle and at least one moose in the area.
Anthrax occurs naturally in the soil and is common in certain areas of North America, such as western Texas and northwest Canada. However, Bacillus anthracis hasn’t been detected in Wyoming since the 1970’s. State researchers are unsure why the bacteria has recently become active in Elk Mountain.
An undisclosed number of Elk Mountain ranches have had their cattle put on a 30-day quarantine to prevent anthrax from spreading outside of the area.
Cattle are most susceptible to anthrax poisoning. An anthrax vaccine is readily available for the animals from local veterinarians. Human infection is rare, but can occur by inhaling anthrax spores, coming in contact with infected fluids, or eating undercooked or raw meat from an infected animal. A course of antibiotics is prescribed for a potential human anthrax infection. Because of the low risk, state representatives do not recommend preventative anthrax vaccination for people.
