Anthrax in cattle

Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Spores can persist in soil for years. In cattle, infection is often associated with grazing contaminated pastures, especially after drought, flooding, or soil disturbance. It is a reportable disease in many jurisdictions.

Also known as: Bacillus anthracis, splenic fever

• Sudden death with little or no prior illness (common presentation)
• Fever, depression, difficulty breathing, or staggering before collapse
• Bloody discharge from body openings in some cases
• Incomplete rigor or dark, poorly clotted blood reported on some carcasses

Cattle typically ingest or inhale spores from soil or contaminated feed/forage. Carcasses and body fluids can contaminate the environment. People can be exposed by handling infected animals, hides, or carcasses — this is a zoonotic concern.

Herds on historically endemic soils, drought/flood-exposed pastures, and operations that disturb old burial sites or bone piles. People who necropsy or butcher cattle without proper precautions are also at risk.

• Follow veterinarian and state guidance on vaccination in known risk areas
• Avoid grazing low-lying or historically contaminated spots when advised
• Secure carcass disposal per local animal-health rules
• Use PPE and never perform casual necropsies on sudden-death cattle in endemic areas
• Keep visitor and scavenger access away from suspect carcasses

• CDC — Anthrax
• USDA APHIS — Animal disease information

• Ranch logs (record events)
• Ranch location analyzer