media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2012
Contact: Christi
Lightcap, (719) 924-0154, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us
ANTHRAX UDPATE: Quarantine Released
The original case was
announced on August 8, 2012. In all, approximately
55 cattle died due to the anthrax outbreak.
Anthrax can develop
naturally in soil; the spores can become active in association with periods of
marked climatic or ecologic change such as heavy rainfall, flooding or drought
which can then expose the anthrax spores to grazing livestock. Outbreaks of anthrax are commonly associated
with neutral or alkaline soils. In these
areas the spores apparently revert to the vegetative form and multiply to
infectious levels so that cattle, horses, mules, sheep and goats may readily
become infected when grazing such areas.
Anthrax is a serious
disease because it can cause the rapid loss of a large number of animals in a
very short time. Often, animals are
found dead with no illness detected. Appropriate
carcass disposal was used to prevent further soil contamination. The response efforts of local authorities
were very effective in the control of the disease.
Producers should consult
their veterinarians and vaccinate their livestock, if deemed appropriate.
Humans or animals can
become infected by coming in contact with infected animals or soil. Anthrax infection can be treated with
antibiotics, especially if caught in the early stages.
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