Anthrax

What is anthrax?

Anthrax is a serious, usually fatal disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It occurs world-wide and can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animal species as well as humans.

In grazing livestock, anthrax usually presents as the sudden death of one, or a group of animals in a mob. Anthrax can kill stock of any age or class with no warning and can result in significant losses.

Anthrax is listed as prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act because of the potential danger it poses to people, other livestock and the possible impact on Australia’s export markets. It is a notifiable disease in NSW, and anyone who suspects anthrax must report it immediately.

What are the risk factors for anthrax?

  • Ingestion of soil by cattle, sheep and other ruminants. This is why the risk of anthrax infection during prolonged dry conditions such as the current drought increases. Other factors include:
    • grazing of stubbles or very short pastures
    • low ground cover
    • deep cultivation of paddocks
    • earthworks in paddocks
    • heavy rain causing movement of soil or exposure of old anthrax grave sites
    • contact with infected carcases.
  • Moderate rainfall following prolonged dry periods.
  • The presence of alkaline soils which favour spore survival.
  • A history of anthrax on the property.

How can anthrax be prevented?

Anthrax vaccine is used to protect livestock from infection in NSW. Vaccination provides effective protection against anthrax when the manufacturer’s directions are followed.

You must apply to use the vaccine by submitting a form to your Local Land Services district veterinarian. Once authorised, you can then place an order for the vaccine with your local rural supplier or private veterinarian.

For more information, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or your local LLS office.

Which farmers should vaccinate for anthrax?

Producers are encouraged to consider vaccinating animals if they are grazing in high risk locations (Figure 1)

Following confirmation of anthrax, annual vaccination of cattle and sheep for 3 years is required. This allows enough time for sunlight and rainfall to reduce the number of bacterial spores that may have been deposited in the paddock to a level that dramatically reduces the likelihood that unvaccinated animals would develop anthrax.

After 3 years, the recommendations will vary depending on the circumstances at the time anthrax was detected. As a general recommendation, following detection of anthrax on a property, annual vaccination of cattle and sheep is strongly recommended for up to 10 years after the detection of anthrax.

After 10 years, continuation of vaccination will ensure that anthrax does not occur again.

When annual vaccinations cease, farmers need to be vigilant if sudden deaths occur and contact a veterinarian if anthrax is a possibility.

Neigbours to properties where anthrax is confirmed are strongly recommended to vaccinate sheep and cattle for anthrax. If farmers choose not to vaccinate sheep and cattle, farmers need to be vigilant if sudden deaths occur and contact a veterinarian if anthrax is a possibility.

For more information, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

How can I spot the signs of anthrax?

Be suspicious of anthrax if animals die suddenly and one or more of the following occur:

  • there is a history of anthrax at any time on the property
  • the property is located within the central part of NSW where most cases of anthrax occur
  • blood may be present around the nose, mouth and anus of carcasses. However, in many cases you may not see this sign, so it should not be relied upon to diagnose anthrax
  • blood from the carcase does not clot.

What should I do if I suspect anthrax?

Immediately contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The carcase of an animal that has died of anthrax poses an extreme infection risk to people and other animals. If you suspect an animal has died of anthrax:

  • report it immediately
  • do not handle, open or skin the carcase
  • do not move the carcase
  • keep all other animals away from the carcase
  • do not move any other animals off the property
  • keep the affected mob separate to all other animals on the farm.

A veterinarian or an authorised officer under the Biosecurity Act will investigate suspect cases of anthrax. If suitable samples can be collected, they can be tested on-farm. If samples are not available, smears of blood and a piece of the animal’s ear will be collected for examination at the laboratory.

If you have any concerns for your own health or those on your property, please see your GP or call 1300 066 055 to be directed to your local Public Health Unit.

Does anthrax occur in NSW?

Cases of anthrax in NSW tend to occur in an area which runs through the centre of the state and into Victoria. The area lies approximately between Bourke and Moree in the north, to Albury and Deniliquin in the south.

Although anthrax does not occur frequently in NSW, its re-appearance is unpredictable. Anthrax can survive for long periods in the environment by forming tough spores which can lie dormant in the soil.

You need to remain alert to the disease and report any suspicious livestock deaths immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Map of NSW showing regions where anthrax as occurred in the past

More information

For more information, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.