{"id":4616,"date":"2011-03-29T03:18:27","date_gmt":"2011-03-28T20:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/?p=4616"},"modified":"2011-03-29T03:18:27","modified_gmt":"2011-03-28T20:18:27","slug":"anthrax-case-confirmed-in-tx-hill-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/industry\/anthrax-case-confirmed-in-tx-hill-county\/","title":{"rendered":"Anthrax Case Confirmed in TX. Hill County"},"content":{"rendered":"

AUSTIN <\/strong>– The first case of anthrax in Texas livestock for 2011 has been detected on a ranch in Hill County near Whitney. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has quarantined the premise after one cow tested positive for the reportable disease. The initial case is somewhat unusual as it was detected earlier in the year than normal and in a different part of the state than expected. There have been no previous cases of anthrax in livestock reported in Hill County.<\/p>\n

\n

\n

Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by\u00a0Bacillus anthracis,<\/em> which <\/em>is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including Texas.Anthrax tends to be diagnosed in livestock and wildlife, most commonly in the summertime in Texas. It usually is detected in the Southwest part of the state.\u00a0In recent years, cases have been primarily confined to a triangular area bounded by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSpecimens were submitted to the\u00a0Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) by the producer\u2019s veterinary practitioner, following suspicions that were raised during a post mortem examination,\u201d \u00a0stated Dr. Max Dow, TAHC Region 3 Director in Fort Worth.\u00a0 TAHC regulations require vaccination of susceptible livestock on quarantined premises, as well as the proper disposal of affected carcasses. Quarantines are usually released by the TAHC 10 days after all requirements have been completed for disposal and vaccination.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt is possible that the dry conditions that much of Texas is enduring may have caused the first case of the year to be found earlier than normal, and\/or in a somewhat unusual location,\u201d stated Dr. Dee Ellis, TAHC Executive Director.\u00a0 \u201cThe TAHC will continue to closely monitor the situation for possible new cases across the state.\u00a0In the meantime, producers should consult with their veterinary practitioner or local TAHC office about the disease in general, and whether vaccination needs to be considered for their animals,\u201d Dr. Ellis added.<\/p>\n

\n

If an animal dies from the disease and isn\u2019t properly disposed of by burning, the bacteria can spill out into the soil and remain dormant for long periods of time. The anthrax bacteria may resurface on grass or forage under ideal weather and soil conditions during spring and summer months, which could then be ingested.\u00a0 Symptoms of anthrax in livestock can be non-specific including high fever or convulsions, or in many cases acute death is the first sign noticed by a producer. TAHC regulations require that not only the animal carcasses be disposed of by incineration until \u201cthoroughly consumed,\u201d but any contaminated manure and\/or bedding as well. This requirement keeps wild animals from being exposed to the disease, and it will also kill the bacteria, possibly preventing another site from being contaminated with anthrax.<\/p>\n

\n

\n

The following are general biosecurity tips that can be helpful to livestock producers who suspect they have an anthrax affected animal or carcass:<\/p>\n

\n