Anthrax killed 12 animals on a farm east of Calgary Sept. 5.
Located near Cluny, Alta., the dead cattle were removed and buried. The remaining 70 cattle were given antibiotics, said a representative of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
“No livestock can move on or off that farm. We are not quarantining it so vehicles can move,” said Larry Turner of the CFIA.
Neighbouring farms are being monitored to ensure no further outbreaks occur. This disease results in nearly instant death in livestock. Anthrax spores can survive in soil and water over long periods of time.
“Fifty years is not unusual,” said Turner.
On this farm, the pastures were dry and the owner decided to use flood irrigation. This might have brought anthrax spores to the surface, although inspectors cannot confirm whether that is the exact cause, said Turner.
