North Dakota agriculture officials said a confirmed case of anthrax, primarily a disease of herbivorous mammals, has been reported in cattle in Morton County.

“Producers in Morton County and surrounding areas should confer with their veterinarians to determine if initiating first-time vaccinations against anthrax is warranted for their cattle at this time,” Dr. Susan Keller said.

Although effective anthrax vaccines are readily available, it takes around 7 days for immunity to be established, and it must be administered annually for continued protection.

It should be mentioned here that Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivorous mammals, although other mammals and some birds have been known to contract it. Before the use of effective veterinary vaccines, it was a major cause of fatal disease in cattle, sheep, goats, camels, horses, and pigs worldwide.