Livestock producers are urged to monitor their herds closely this year for signs of anthrax and other diseases associated with wet weather.
Officials from Saskatchewan Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency say anthrax could be a common problem this year, especially in areas that have excess moisture.
Anthrax is a soil borne disease spread by spores. It affects cattle, sheep, goats, horse and bison.
The disease normally occurs when heavy rainfall or flooding is followed by hot, dry conditions.
Saskatchewan Agriculture confirmed several cases of anthrax last year. The worst involved a bison producer in the Weyburn area who lost dozens of animals.
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Clinical signs of anthrax are difficult to identify because the disease kills rapidly. The most common scenario is an unexplained death of one or two animals on pasture.
Veterinarians say producers should investigate unexplained deaths promptly.
Bloody discharge from the eyes, ears, mouth and anus of a dead animal could suggest anthrax.
Producers who find dead animals should avoid moving or disturbing carcasses. Cutting open a carcass exposes blood borne bacteria to oxygen, which can result in the formation of more spores and more deaths.
Dead animals suspected of anthrax infection should be covered to prevent scavenging by wildlife.
Producers should contact a veterinarian for a positive diagnosis if the cause of death is unknown.
Anthrax must be reported to authorities.
Herds that have had anthrax losses within the last 10 years or herds that are located within 10 kilometres of a confirmed case are considered high risk.
Wet weather is also associated with other environmental toxins, such as ergot, which is a fungal disease that affects rye and other grass species. It is especially prevalent in years with excessive moisture.
Ergot-infected feed can severely restrict blood flow to an animal’s tail and limbs, eventually causing hoofs and tail to dry up and fall off.
It also causes abortions.
Mouldy sweet clover is another condition that can cause significant herd health problems.
Clover that becomes wet during harvest should be used carefully, and herds fed mouldy clover should be monitored closely.
Ways to avoid anthrax:
•Reduce exposure to spores and vaccinate livestock
•Animals in high risk areas should be vaccinated annually, about a month before they are turned out to pasture
•Avoid overgrazing pastures and feeding hay that was cut close to the soil
•Proper disposal of dead animals is critical
•Thoroughly launder or disinfect clothes and footwear that have come into contact with infected animals or soil
