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OMAHA (DTN) -- Saskatchewan agricultural officials announced Tuesday anthrax was confirmed as the cause of death in cattle in the north-central part of the province.

Anthrax can remain in soil for many years and the spores show up when the weather changes usually from flooding to drying, with the cases being more prevalent in dry years.

Laboratory test results showed anthrax as the cause of death in cattle in the Rural Municipality of Paynton No. 470. Clinical signs of anthrax in livestock include sudden death, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, fever and bloody diarrhea. After death, an animal may exude blood from the mouth, nose and anus. Animals become infected after eating forage contaminated with the spores, with ruminants being the most highly susceptible to infection.

Anthrax can be prevented by vaccination and officials say this is the best prevention method if animals in the area are infected. Anthrax is traditionally not an infectious disease, but rather animals become infected by consuming forages with the anthrax spores.

"Anyone who suspects anthrax should contact their local veterinarian immediately for diagnosis," said the agriculture ministry's release. "All positive test results must be immediately reported to the provincial Chief Veterinary Officer."

The announcement also suggests producers use caution when handling potentially infected animals or carcasses. While there is minimal human health risk, it is possible for a human to become infected through direct contact with these animals.

There have been localized cases of anthrax in Saskatchewan and other parts of Canada in the past. In September 2023, anthrax was confirmed by laboratory results for one cow and was suspected in two additional deaths in the same herd. In September 2024, anthrax killed nearly 50 head of cattle and a moose in south-central Wyoming.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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