Anthrax confirmed in South Dakota cattle herd

September 27, 2022

PIERRE, S.D. – Anthrax has been confirmed in South Dakota livestock for the first time this year.

According to South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson, several cows died from a herd of 160 unvaccinated cattle in Meade County. The Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic

Laboratory at SDSU confirmed the disease from samples submitted over the weekend.

Affected livestock are often found dead with no illness detected.

Anthrax spores survive indefinitely in contaminated soil, and much of South Dakota has the potential of experiencing an outbreak.