From the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office

ANTHRAX UPDATE: Additional Cow on an Adjacent Colorado Premises Tests Positive for Anthrax

August 22nd, 2012:

There has been one new additional confirmed case of anthrax in a cow on an adjacent premises to the index ranch in Logan County. There are now a total of four premises that have had anthrax-positive cattle. The original case was diagnosed on August 8, 2012.

Important facts of the outbreak:

1. None of the affected herds have recently sold cattle and therefore no animals from affected herds have entered the food supply

2. All of the adjacent herds have been vaccinated for anthrax - some of the herds will be receiving their second dose of vaccine in the near future

3. Anthrax vaccination is an important tool in preventing disease although full protective immunity is not achieved until 7-10 days after a second booster dose is administered

4. All of the affected cattle that have died have been incinerated to kill the spores and buried which is the most effective way of disposal

5. Cleaning and disinfection of the affected premises, equipment, and corrals continues

6. The Northeast Colorado Health Department (NCHD) has been working with livestock owners and others who may have been exposed to receive prophylactic treatment

7. CDA and NCHD are continuing their investigations, surveillance, and monitoring of the outbreak in coordination with other support agencies and entities

Remember, there is a 42 day withdrawal period after using the vaccine and use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling possibly anthrax-infected carcasses or contaminated material.

For information related to the anthrax outbreak, contact the State Veterinarian's Office at CDA; (303) 239-4161.