BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The first confirmed case of anthrax in North Dakota for 2024 has been reported in an Adams County herd. North Dakota State Veterinarian Ethan Andress said the case should serve as a reminder to livestock producers to take action to protect their animals from the disease, especially in areas with a past history of the disease. The case included beef cows from Adams County and was confirmed October 1 by the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.  “Anthrax has been confirmed in cattle from an Adams County beef herd,” said 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.” Effective anthrax vaccines are readily available, but it can take more than a week for immunity to be established. Booster vaccinations must be administered annually for continued protection. Producers should monitor their herds for unexplained deaths and work with their veterinarian to ensure appropriate samples are collected and submitted to a diagnostic lab to give the best chance of obtaining a diagnosis. “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,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “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.” Twenty-four cases of anthrax were reported in North Dakota in 2023, all in Grant, Adams and Hettinger Counties. The most widespread impact of anthrax was in 2005, when more than 500 confirmed deaths from the bacteria were reported in the Red River Valley and Sheyenne River Valley areas of the state, with total losses estimated at more than 1,000 head. Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. The bacterial spores can lie dormant in the ground for decades and become active under ideal conditions, such as heavy rainfall, flooding and drought. Animals are exposed to the disease when they graze or consume forage or water contaminated with the spores. An anthrax factsheet is available on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture website at www.ndda.nd.gov/diseases/anthrax.  Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW