July 28, 2006
· To date, anthrax has affected eight herds of cattle in the southeast part of the province (in the RMs of Franklin, Stuartburn and Piney) resulting in the death of 68 cattle. One horse and 10 bison have also died of anthrax.
· The Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to quarantine and vaccinate cattle in the identified herds.
· Producers on farms surrounding the quarantined herds are encouraged to have local veterinarians vaccinate their herds to safeguard the health of cattle living close to the quarantined area.
· It is important to safeguard any carcass with suspected anthrax, keeping it intact and away from scavengers.
· Producers who suspect anthrax should contact their veterinarian:
- to rule out other causes of sudden death,
- to collect and submit the proper samples, and
- to avoid handling the carcass
· Restricted movement only applies to livestock from quarantined farms. There is no danger for cattle involved in fairs or livestock exhibitions because live animal-to-animal transmission does not occur.
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