The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has confirmed an alarming 25 cases of cattle anthrax this year, marking the highest number of cases reported in the state since 2005. The outbreak has already resulted in the deaths of more than 300 cattle, horses, bison, and sheep, causing significant financial strain for ranchers and farmers across the state.
Anthrax, which is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, is a spore-forming bacterium that can survive in the ground for decades. In North Dakota, infected cattle have been grazing on pastures where anthrax spores have been detected in the soil. While these natural outbreaks pose a minimal risk to humans, the weaponized form of anthrax is highly lethal.
The 2001 anthrax scare, which occurred shortly after the 9/11 terror attacks, serves as a haunting reminder of the destructive potential of weaponized anthrax. Five people lost their lives, and 17 others fell ill after coming in contact with letters containing anthrax spores, highlighting the importance of swift and effective containment efforts.
According to a report by The Associated Press, a recent case of cattle anthrax has been confirmed in southwest North Dakota’s Grant County, bringing the total number of cases to 25 in the state this year. This marks the first reported case since August, with all cases located in Grant County, Hettinger, and Adams counties. The outbreak has led to approximately 170 cattle deaths, as revealed by North Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress.
In response to this concerning development, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring emphasized that the area has experienced unusually mild weather, allowing cattle to remain on pastureland where anthrax thrives. The extent of this year’s outbreak represents the most severe anthrax case since 2005, raising concerns about the continued impact on livestock and the agricultural industry in North Dakota.
In related news, the FDA recently approved Emergent BioSolution’s new anthrax vaccine for adults aged 18-65. In response to this approval, Emergent BioSolutions has announced that the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has exercised an option to procure additional doses of its recently approved anthrax vaccine Cyfendus (AV7909). This move reflects the government’s proactive approach to managing potential bioterrorism threats and safeguarding public health.
The emergence of multiple anthrax cases in North Dakota and the ongoing efforts to mitigate its impact serve as a poignant reminder of the need for continued vigilance regarding potential bioterrorism threats and natural disease outbreaks. This situation underscores the importance of effective vaccines and response strategies to protect both human and animal populations from the devastating effects of anthrax.
