The farm animals with anthrax have been quarantined, no wild animals have been diagnosed with the disease, and people are at very little risk, a panel of experts re-assured about 150 people who crowded into the Stratton Millennium Hall last Thursday night.
“The first thing I want to say to everybody is don’t worry, everything is going to be fine,” said Dr. Chris Cannon, a veterinarian with the Nor-West Animal Clinic in Fort Frances.
Along with Dr. Cannon were local Ag and Rural rep Gary Sliworsky, Dr. Mike Soots, the district veterinarian for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Pete Sarsfield, medical officer and CEO of the Northwestern Health Unit, and Ministry of Natural Resources personnel.
“If I were exposed right now, the risk of infection would be very slim,” said Dr. Sarsfield. “This is not an exercise in b.s. or ‘don’t worry be happy.’ This is the real thing, this is low risk.”
The strain of anthrax which affects the cattle only causes local infections on humans, which respond to treatment.
It’s been almost two weeks since any animals have died from the disease. In total, 14 animals have died on two affected farms in Dilke Township.
Another animal which was suspected to have anthrax actually died from common bloat.
The owners of the infected animals were commended for their quick reaction to ensure their livestock did not leave the property and that no other animals died, effectively quashing the local outbreak.
“I think you can all be very proud of the people involved,” said Dr. Cannon. “Everybody maintained their cool. The integrity of the cattle producer stood out and should be applauded . . . this cost them money.”
According to the doctors, animals probably contracted the disease when ideal weather conditions allowed dormant spores to rise to the surface of the soil and be inhaled or ingested by the cattle grazing in the area.
Once in the animals, the spores become live bacteria, attacking the animal and killing it within hours.
Affected animals were placed under federal quarantine for 30 days and as no other cases appear, the risk of infection diminishes. The only area that may never be risk free is original land where the spores were contracted or land on which dead animals lost bodily fluids.
All deceased animals were buried immediately as the bacteria only forms spores when exposed to oxygen, which can be prevented if the bodies incubate underground.
“I’ll emphasize again it’s very hard to transmit this disease. You’d have to remove a chunk of soil and bring it to another area,” said Dr. Cannon, adding vaccines are available at a cost of about 60 cents a shot.
Most of those attending the information session were beef farmers, and the information presented appeared to address most of their concerns.
“It was enlightening, we’re more at ease,” said Bob Leblanc. “I think they pretty well covered everything. We all have concerns, we just wanted to hear a little more.”
Hunters also were assured they should not be to concerned about finding the disease among area wildlife.
“There is no indication that anthrax in this area has been introduced to wildlife,” said Bill Darby of the MNR office in Fort Frances. “Fortunately, the farmer reported quickly and everyone responded quickly.”
Still, Darby warned anyone who finds an ill or deceased animal to avoid it and contact the MNR.
“We also wanted the public, in general, to know as well that if you find a dead moose or bear that is not road kill, please report it to us,” Darby stressed.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
