Texas Animal Health Commission officials received confirmation of anthrax in a Spanish goat on an Edwards County premises on Aug. 12, the agency announced in a news release. It is the first confirmed case in Edwards County and the second reported case of anthrax in Texas this year.
The premises, located in the northwest corner of Edwards County south of Sonora, has been quarantined, the commission said. TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses on the premises before the quarantine can be released.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas, according to the release. Anthrax cases in Texas are most often found in a triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass, and this case falls within that triangle.
“With the weather we’ve experienced in Texas this year, in areas where anthrax has historically been found, we encourage monitoring and vaccinating susceptible animals,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC state veterinarian and executive director, in the release. “This case is a great reminder that the disease has historically been found in Texas soil.”
An increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather followed by hot, dry conditions is common, the agency said. In those conditions, animals ingest the odorless, colorless and tasteless bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay or inhale the spores. After exposure, it typically takes three to seven days for animals to show clinical signs, and once symptoms begin, death usually occurs within 48 hours. Acute fever followed by rapid death with bloody discharge from body openings are signs of anthrax in livestock.
The commission urged owners of animals displaying clinical signs consistent with anthrax to contact a private veterinarian or the TAHC immediately. Producers are encouraged to follow sanitation precautions when handling affected livestock or carcasses, such as wearing protective gloves and long sleeve shirts and washing thoroughly after contact, to prevent accidental spread of the bacteria to humans.