Anthrax is a concern for cattle producers in North Dakota, as weather conditions in some areas are once again favorable for the development of this disease.

Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. This bacteria is often found in soil and is able to form spores that are highly resistant to heat, cold and disinfection. These spores can survive in the soil for years under favorable conditions.

"When these spores come in contact with susceptible cattle, they can 'hatch' and cause infection, leading to disease and death,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian.

The threat of anthrax is increased when areas receive high amounts of rainfall and prolonged dry conditions. Dry conditions cause the bacteria to form spores. High rainfall can disturb soil, releasing spores which can stick to plant material. Persistently dry conditions in many areas of the state mean cattle may be grazing closer to the ground or around water sources with lowered water levels, potentially exposing spores.

In most cases, the only sign of anthrax is finding dead cattle, often with blood coming from the nose, mouth and anus. Sudden death can be caused by other factors, such as lightning strike, Clostridial disease and toxicities such as blue-green algae. However, anthrax should be considered as a possibility in any such case.

If anthrax is suspected, the carcass should not be moved or cut into, as this can lead to further contamination of the area. When anthrax bacteria in the carcass are exposed to oxygen in the air, large numbers of spores form, which can enter the soil or infect other animals.

A veterinarian should obtain a blood sample and submit it to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. Veterinarians should contact the lab when sending in samples from a suspected anthrax case so that lab staff can be prepared to receive it.

“If anthrax is confirmed, all cattle should be vaccinated immediately,” warns Dr. Galbreath.

A commercial vaccine is available for cattle, sheep, goats, swine and horses. The vaccine is a 1cc dose administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in the neck of cattle. A booster vaccination in two to three weeks may be recommended when anthrax is present. Annual boostering is then sufficient for protection.

Treatment with antibiotics at the same time as vaccination can interfere with the immune response, but in an outbreak situation, it may help prevent further deaths.

Dr. Galbreath recommends contacting a local veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

Cattle should be moved from the affected pasture, if possible, to prevent further infections, as it will take at least a week for protective antibodies to be produced following vaccination.

Dr. Galbreath reminds producers that anthrax has the potential to infect humans, so care needs to be taken to not disturb the carcass. His recommended method for disposal is to burn the carcass and soil on which the carcass was found after placing them in a trench dug immediately adjacent to the site. If dry conditions prevent burning, deep burial is also an option.

For more information on anthrax, as well as disposal, visit the NDSU Extension publication “Naturally Occurring Anthrax in the Environment” at ndsu.ag/anthrax-26.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – July 29, 2026

Source: Jake Galbreath, 701-9911855, j.galbreath@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu