Anthrax confirmed in deer in Texas--NBD

There is nothing like waking up to a warning of anthrax, which I discovered is no surprise in Texas. This news release came from the Texas Animal Health Commission, today, and Every year, Texas sees several cases, typically near the border.  It is also important to remember that the great cattle trails beginning in the 1800s drove cattle and some of them had anthrax, and anthrax spores can survive for decades or centuries.  Only a dozen or so states have animal health commissions that regulate livestock, and a state without an animal health commission would likely rely on their natural resources government unit to address these risks in wildlife. Anthrax Confirmed in Kinney County  White-Tailed Deer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2016     AUSTIN - Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed Anthrax in white-tailed deer in Kinney County on September 16, 2016. The affected premises is located approximately 12 miles east of Brackettville. The premises has been quarantined and TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses and vaccination of livestock on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.   "The TAHC will continue to closely monitor the premises," said Dr. T.R. Lansford, TAHC Assistant Executive Director for Animal Health Programs. "Producers are encouraged to consult their veterinary practitioner or local TAHC office if they have questions about the disease in livestock and a medical professional if they have concerns about personal anthrax exposure."   Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution. Anthrax periodically emerges in the southwestern part of Texas. A vaccine is available for use in susceptible livestock in high risk areas.   Acute fever followed by rapid death with bleeding from body openings are common signs of anthrax in livestock. Carcasses may also appear bloated and decompose quickly. Livestock displaying symptoms consistent with anthrax should be reported to a private veterinary practitioner or a TAHC official. If affected livestock or carcasses must be handled, producers are encouraged to follow basic sanitation precautions such as wearing protective gloves, long sleeve shirts and washing thoroughly afterward to prevent accidental spread of the bacteria to people.   For more information regarding Anthrax, contact your local TAHC region office or call 1-800-550-8242.   To learn more about Anthrax, visit the TAHC's brochure athttp://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_Anthrax.pdf