Source: Texas Animal Health Commission
Anthrax has been confirmed in a whitetail deer in southeastern Edwards County. This is the second confirmed case of Anthrax in Texas this year, the first in a deer.
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses and vaccination of livestock on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas. It is not uncommon for anthrax to be diagnosed in livestock or wildlife in the southwestern part of the state. A vaccine is available for use in livestock in high risk areas.
Acute fever followed by rapid death with bleeding from body openings are common signs of anthrax in livestock. Carcasses may also appear bloated and decompose quickly. Livestock displaying symptoms consistent with anthrax should be reported to a private veterinary practitioner or a TAHC official. If affected livestock or carcasses must be handled, producers are encouraged to follow basic sanitation precautions such as wearing protective gloves, long sleeve shirts and washing thoroughly afterward to prevent accidental spread of the bacteria to people.
“The TAHC will continue to closely monitor the situation for possible new cases across the state. Producers are encouraged to consult their veterinary practitioner or local TAHC office if they have questions about the disease,” said Dr. T.R. Lansford, TAHC assistant executive director for animal health programs.
For more information contact your local TAHC region or call 1-800-550-8242 or visit tahc.texas.gov.
Click here to download an anthrax fact sheet. (PDF)
Vesicular Stomatitis Update
Since the Aug. 13 update, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received confirmation of two new cases of vesicular stomatitis (VS) in horses located 8 miles northwest of Bastrop in Bastrop County. One premises in Guadalupe County, one premises in Travis County, and all premises in Val Verde County have been released.
To date, 55 premises in 11 Texas counties have been confirmed with VS. Currently affected counties include: Bastrop, Falls, Guadalupe, Travis and Williamson counties. Eleven of the 55 premises have been released and six counties have been released from quarantine: Jim Wells, Kinney, Nueces, San Patricio, Val Verde and Hidalgo counties.
The newly identified infected premises are currently under quarantine by the TAHC. Affected horses will be monitored by regulatory veterinarians while under quarantine. Premises are eligible for quarantine release 21 days after all lesions have healed.
For VS history and past updates visit www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/equine/equine.html.
Several states are imposing enhanced entry requirements on Texas livestock due to VS cases. For information, contact the state or country of destination and/or click here. (PDF)
Click here for TAHC’s VS fact sheet. (PDF)
Click here for a USDA-APHIS VS fact sheet is available. (PDF)
Click here for current USDA-APHIS situation reports.