By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Officials with the Texas Animal Health Commission have reported anthrax on four new premises in the past week, including one each in southeast Crockett County, south Sutton County, northwest Uvalde County and northeast Val Verde County.

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Val Verde County is the fifth Texas county to report anthrax this year.

To date, 14 premises in 5 Texas counties have had animals confirmed with anthrax. Animals include the
following species: antelope, goat, horses, deer and cattle.

Anthrax is a naturally occurring disease affecting deer, cattle, exotic livestock, horses, swine, dogs and humans. It is caused by Bacillus anthracis; a spore-forming bacteria. The bacteria can remain alive, but dormant in the soil for several years.

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Anthrax is found worldwide, but in Texas, cases are most often confined to a triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. This area includes portions of Crockett, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney and Maverick Counties.

It is common to see an increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry
conditions. During these conditions, animals ingest the anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay, or inhale the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.

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