Anthrax confirmed in beef herd in western South Dakota
KWAT
September 13, 2023
PIERRE, S.D.–Anthrax has been confirmed in South Dakota for the first time this year in a beef herd in Ziebach county.
According to South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson, several animals were found dead in an unvaccinated herd containing approximately 150 pairs.
The Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at SDSU confirmed the disease from samples submitted by the herd veterinarian.
Anthrax spores survive indefinitely in soil and much of South Dakota has the potential of having contaminated soil.
Weather events, such as drought, floods and winds can expose the anthrax spores to livestock.
