The South Dakota State Veterinarian has reported the first confirmed case of anthrax in the state for 2023.
The outbreak occurred in an unvaccinated beef herd in Ziebach County, resulting in the deaths of several animals.
The affected herd has been quarantined, and additional herds may also be quarantined. Anthrax spores, which can remain in the soil indefinitely, pose a persistent threat in South Dakota, and various environmental factors can make livestock susceptible to infection.
Livestock owners are advised not to move carcasses until a diagnosis is made.
In 2022, the first anthrax case of the year was reported in September.