By NewsDesk @bactiman63

Texas state animal health officials received confirmation of anthrax in a horse on an Armstrong County premises on August 20, 2021. This is the third confirmed case of anthrax in Texas this year (HERE and HERE).

Image/ulleo

The premises is located in the southern portion of the county and has been quarantined. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses and vaccination of other livestock on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.

“The TAHC will continue to closely monitor the situation and encourage producers in the county to consult with their local veterinary practitioner if they have questions or concerns about anthrax,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC State Veterinarian and Executive Director.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas. Cases in Texas are most often found in portions of Crockett, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney and Maverick counties.

“This is not the first time we have seen anthrax in Armstrong County,” said Dr. Schwartz. “Last September, we received confirmation of the disease in a bull on another premises, which serves as a great reminder for producers in the area to vaccinate their animals with the proven and dependable anthrax vaccine.”

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 can ingest the anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay, or inhale the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.