The third anthrax outbreak of the year in Saskatchewan has killed seven bison in the Rural Municipality of Paddockwood, about 200 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
The deaths occurred last week, a few days after a single case of anthrax was diagnosed in cattle in the Ponass Lake area, north of Wadena.
The first case of the year was confirmed in May, when 13 cattle were infected in the RM of King George.
Outbreaks of anthrax in the Prairies are not unusual because soil in the region is known to naturally carry the spores that cause the disease.
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Anthrax is contracted from the environment, generally when spores are ingested. It is not communicable among animals or from animals to humans.
Outbreaks occur when the soil is disturbed as a result of heavy rains or blowing dirt.
CFIA spokesperson Robin Locke said producers concerned about the risk of anthrax should ask a veterinarian whether their animals should be vaccinated.
So far this year, Saskatchewan is the only province to record an outbreak of anthrax.
In 2007, 82 animals were infected in western and northern Canada, including 34 in Manitoba, 19 in Saskatchewan, 10 in the Northwest Territories and nine in Alberta.
In 2006, there were 169 cases in Saskatchewan, 19 in Manitoba, nine in Alberta and one in N.W.T.
