Second district farm hit by anthrax

The number of cattle that have been killed by anthrax in Rainy River District has crept up to 15–and has now affected a second farm.
“In total, there was 11 animals that had died on the first farm–one was doing badly and was euthanized,” said Dr. George Luterbach of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
“There have been four animals on a second farm, and not all may have died of anthrax but they are being checked,” he added.
The outbreak has been attributed to wet, humid conditions releasing spores which may have lain dormant in the soil for years.
“It’s not a disease that spreads from herd to herd,” noted Dr. Luterbach. “Those with similar environmental conditions, and who would like to vaccinate, are urged to contact their practitioners.”
So far, all of the animals diagnosed with the disease have been in Morley Township.
An information meeting on the outbreak has been slated for tomorrow (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m. at the Stratton Millennium Hall. Mike Soots, the district veterinarian for the Canada Food Inspection Agency, local ag and rural rep Gary Sliworsky, Nor-West Animal Clinic vet Dr. Chris Cannon, and Ministry of Natural Resources officials are expected to attend.
“There are a few [questions]; hopefully, the meeting will help with that,” said Sliworsky.
Anthrax is a disease that can kill cattle, sheep, and horses. It acts so fast that a seemingly healthy animal can die within 12 hours of contracting it, which helps to ensure the disease is not spread from herd to herd.
“A cow dies right away so at least they’re not running all over the district,” said Peter Spuzak, president of the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association.
Meanwhile, the MNR has issued guidelines for hunters who might come across carcasses of wild animals that were infected with the disease. It advised that any dead animals found be left alone, and that hunters note the location of the animal for reporting purposes.
Because the animals deteriorate quickly once they contract the disease, there is little chance a hunter will shoot a live animal infected with anthrax. But the MNR suggested any animals displaying abnormal behaviour or that appear to be in poor health be left alone.
Humans also are susceptible to anthrax but it usually only causes a local skin infection, which can be treated.