Peace Garden News

North Dakota has reported its second case of anthrax this year, confirmed in a beef cattle herd in Stark County by the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. The state veterinarian is urging livestock producers to take steps to protect their animals, especially in areas where anthrax has previously occurred.

“This is the second case we have had in Stark County this year and we have had cases in nearby counties in the past,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress. “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 his office will work with local and state resources to help producers manage disease situations.

Vaccines for anthrax are available, but immunity takes more than a week to develop. Annual booster shots are necessary for ongoing protection. Producers are encouraged to monitor herds for unexplained deaths and work with veterinarians to collect samples for diagnostic testing.

“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,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “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, there was one reported case of anthrax in Adams County; however, 25 cases were recorded the previous year across Grant, Adams, and Hettinger Counties. The largest outbreak occurred in 2005 when over 500 confirmed animal deaths from anthrax were documented primarily in the Red River Valley and Sheyenne River Valley regions.

Further information about anthrax can be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture website at 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 such as heavy rain or drought. Animals typically contract the disease through grazing or consuming contaminated forage or water.