Anthrax Control Program

Anthrax Control Program

4-H Veterinary ScienceExtension Veterinary Medicine 

Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science

Texas A&M Systemhttp://aevm.tamu.edu

Objectives

Understand that because anthrax has been a reportable disease, it has been controlled

Understand that surveillance of a disease prevents its spread

ReportableBacterial diseaseWorldwide distributionEndemic to U.S.

Triangle of Uvalde, Ozona, Eagle Pass, TXAffects numerous animal speciesPrimarily domestic and wild livestock Zoonotic

Causative Agent

Bacterium - Bacillus anthracis

Vegetative bacteria in animal

Spore bacteria in environment

Transmission

Spores leave dead animal via hemorrhagic exudates Mouth, nose, anus and vulva Contain large numbers of bacteria

Contaminated soil Spores remain viable for decades

Soil-borne – summer drought, following rains

Soil-borne – summer rain, following drought

Usually ingestion of sporesIncubation period is 1-20 daysInfections apparent after 3-7 days

Diagnosis

Ruminants Sudden death Staggering Trembling Dyspnea Fever

Respiratory distress Convulsions Abortions Bloody discharge FATAL

Horses Sudden death Fever Chills Anorexia Depression

Severe colicBloody diarrheaSwellingFATAL

Pigs Sudden death Mild, chronic infections Fever Swelling Enlarged lymph nodes Usually recover

Dead animals Sudden death – blood poisoning Rigor mortis absent Rapid decomposition – extreme bloat Dark blood Enlarged spleen Non-clotting blood

People Wound infections – carbuncles

Image Illustrates the Typical Bloated Decomposition with the

Fore Legs Separated and Raised

Bacterial Skin

Infection in Human

Microscopic Stained Bacteria in Characteristic Chains of Rods like Box Cars

Bacterial Disease in

Animals with Sudden Death

and Rapid Bloat

Decomposition

Infected Doe; Blood from Nasal Cavity to Soil

Prevention

Vaccinate livestock Sterne-strain

Live Endemic areas

Burn carcasses Do not move

Burn body remains Bones, antlers and horns

Regulation and Control

Texas FEAD Emergency Response Plan Identify positive animals and destroyReduce amount of time to get back test

resultsTrack origin of suspect animals

Burn carcass and beddingDon’t open carcass

Spores will not develop without oxygen Bacteria will decompose within a few days

Vaccination of herd requiredQuarantine of herd required for 10 days

after vaccination