A recent outbreak of anthrax in Wyoming has resulted in the death of several animals, sparking concern among local authorities and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed on September 3 that a moose in Carbon County had succumbed to the disease. On the same day, the Wyoming Livestock Board reported that multiple beef herds in the same county had also been infected.
As reported by Newsweek, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department stated, "This recent detection in a moose is the only documented case reported in wildlife at this time. The last confirmed case of anthrax in wildlife in Wyoming was in 1956 in Sublette County." Meanwhile, the Wyoming Livestock Board revealed, "This is the first confirmed anthrax in Wyoming cattle since the 1970s."
Anthrax, a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affects livestock but can also infect humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The disease can be contracted by inhaling, ingesting, or coming into contact with anthrax spores present in soil or water.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department explained, "The spores can persist in the ground for decades and emerge when the ground is disturbed or flooded. Disturbance is common in summer months when conditions may alternate between rain and hot, dry weather, allowing spores to be released from contaminated soil and ingested by livestock or wildlife." The department added, "Carnivores tend to be less at risk and may display higher resilience to the disease."
Anthrax can manifest in several forms, each with different symptoms and levels of severity. Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form, occurs when anthrax spores enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin. Gastrointestinal anthrax can occur when a person consumes meat from infected animals or drinks contaminated water. The most dangerous form is inhalation anthrax, which occurs when a person inhales anthrax spores.
Anthrax has been weaponized in the past due to its ability to form resilient spores. A notable incident occurred in 2001 in the United States, when anthrax spores were deliberately sent through the mail, leading to several deaths.
The Wyoming Livestock Board noted, "The spore-forming bacteria may survive in the soil for years to decades, resulting in sporadic outbreaks which usually occur after periods of drought followed by heavy rain." The board added, "Clinical signs of anthrax in livestock include sudden death, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, fever, and bloody diarrhea."
Local authorities are working to prevent the further spread of the bacteria. Livestockand humanscan be given a vaccine to prevent infection by the bacteria. Dr. Hallie Hasel, Wyoming State Veterinarian, stated, "Multiple state agencies and private veterinarians responded quickly following the anthrax diagnosis by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory. Protecting animal and human health is critical upon diagnosis of a zoonotic disease. The Wyoming Livestock Board will continue working with producers and private veterinarians to reduce further spread and limit human exposure through recommendations for carcass disposal and vaccination. Anthrax vaccine is approved for multiple livestock species and highly effective."
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has issued a warning to hunters and the public to avoid approaching or touching dead carcasses in the wild, and not to harvest any animal that appears unwell. The recent outbreak underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines when interacting with wildlife and livestock.
Login