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Anthrax Vaccinations Recommended before Turning Cows to Pasture

Last Updated: May 06, 2009 Related resource areas: Beef Cattle

Standing water and flooding may contribute to washing up anthrax spores.

Released May 1, 2009

BROOKINGS, S.D. -- A South Dakota State University veterinarian advises cattle producers to include anthrax vaccines in their programs before turning cattle out to summer pasture.

South Dakota Cooperative Extension Veterinarian Russ Daly said anthrax, which is caused by bacteria that can exist as spores in the soil for long periods of time, could arise this summer due to conditions that follow a wet spring.

"One of the environmental factors that may aid in making the anthrax spores available to cattle is the disruptive action of flooding on pastures," Daly said. "Flooding can wash anthrax spores up from lower levels of the soil, and the spores can be deposited on grass and other forage cows eat."

Daly cited an SDSU survey from 2005 that found standing water on pastures as a potential risk factor for losses due to anthrax.

"That year, parts of northeast South Dakota experienced anthrax for the first time in many years, following a wet spring in which many pastures experienced temporary flooding," said Daly. "While the anthrax risk is well documented in many parts of South Dakota, and vaccination is routine in those areas, we encourage all producers to use anthrax vaccine, especially in areas that were previously flooded."

The vaccine is widely available, inexpensive, and effective, Daly said. One dose of vaccine at pasture turnout is generally effective for the whole grazing season.

"During the summer, producers should check all cattle daily, and move quickly to investigate unexpected deaths in cows, bulls, and calves," he said. "Like many diseases, prompt action against anthrax can prevent excessive losses."

Local veterinarians are the best source for information regarding anthrax, according to Daly. The South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, including Extension Veterinary Science, and the South Dakota Animal Industry Board are other strong sources of information.

Visit the SDSU Veterinary Extension Web site at http://vetsci.sdstate.edu/vetext.

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http://agbionews.sdstate.edu/story.cfm?id=4710

Contacts: Russ Daly, (605) 688-6589

Jarett Bies, (605) 688-4642, Jarett.Bies@sdstate.edu