A fourth central Alberta farm has been quarantined after anthrax was confirmed there last week.
Two animals died at the Rocky Mountain House ranch, bringing the number of dead livestock to 23, said Doug Scott of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
So far the agency has vaccinated about 650 head in the area and another 25,000 have been treated by private vets.
The Clearwater Veterinary Clinic at Rocky Mountain House said it has run out of vaccine and producers are on a waiting list to receive it.
The producer pays for the vaccine, which costs about $1 per head, said a clinic spokesperson.
The vaccine provides protection from the fatal disease for one year. Some animals that are vaccinated for the first time will receive a booster shot about a month later.
Anthrax is characterized by sudden death in animals. Unclotted blood leaks from body orifices. Any instances must be reported.
The disease is spread by spores from bacteria, which can remain dormant in the soil for years.
All dead animals are buried in pits and incinerated on farm.
