2 Vaccinated animals die of anthrax in Canada

February 16, 2007

Anthrax Makes an Early Appearance

option=com_ezine & task=read & page=9 & category=22 & article=3796 & Itemid=87

Friday, 16 February 2007

Two cows died of anthrax last week. One was in the Prince Albert

area and the other in the Rose Valley-Archerwill District.

Last summer, about 800 head of livestock died in northeast and north-

central Saskatchewan. It was the province's worst recorded anthrax

outbreak in history.

Those deaths occurred after anthrax spores in the soil were ingested

during grazing. The new cases occurred when the two cattle ate feed

containing spores. Dr. s is a veterinarian with the

Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (CFIA) She says the spores could

have gotten into the feed in a number of ways. Mud could have stuck

to the bales in the field, the soil could have been incorporated in

the feed during baling or standing water could have transferred the

spores from the infected soil. Anthrax spores can remain in the soil

for years and more cases are expected this summer.

Winter anthrax cases are unusual, but s says there was a

single case in 2004.

Both herds were vaccinated for anthrax last summer. However, Dr.

s says some cows may not produce enough antibodies. It is

also possible that the vaccination for the affected animals may have

been missed or not properly given. The vaccine manufacturer says

their product is effective for a period of 6-12 months.

Dr. s says producers should watch their animals and report any

sudden deaths.

Meryl Nass, MD

Mount Desert Island Hospital

Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

207 288-5081 ext. 220

Recommended Posts