North Dakota officials have confirmed the state’s first case of anthrax in livestock this year. The case was detected in a beef cattle herd in Stark County, according to the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.
State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said, “This is the first case we have had in Stark County but have had cases in nearby counties in the past. Producers in past known affected areas and counties should consult with their veterinarians to review their risk factors and vaccination needs. If producers have unusual losses on pasture, they should reach out to their local veterinarian as they are experienced and trained for this type of response.” He added that the state veterinarian’s office will coordinate with local and state resources to help producers manage disease situations.
Anthrax vaccines are available for livestock, but immunity takes more than a week after administration. Annual booster shots are necessary for ongoing protection. Producers are encouraged to watch for unexplained deaths among their animals and work with veterinarians to collect samples for laboratory testing.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring stated, “Anthrax has been most frequently reported in northeast, southeast and south-central North Dakota, but it has been found in almost every part of the state. A few anthrax cases are reported in North Dakota almost every year. The animals impacted included cattle, bison, horses, sheep, llamas and farmed deer and elk.”
In 2024, only one case was recorded in Adams County. However, 2023 saw 25 cases across Grant, Adams, and Hettinger Counties. The most significant outbreak occurred in 2005 when over 500 confirmed deaths were reported due to anthrax primarily along the Red River Valley and Sheyenne River Valley; total losses that year exceeded 1,000 head.
Information about anthrax can be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture website at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/diseases/anthrax.
Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria. Its spores can remain dormant underground for decades before becoming active under certain environmental conditions like heavy rainfall or drought. Animals may contract the disease from contaminated forage or water sources.
