Cattle producers should watch for signs of blackleg and anthrax after floodwaters recede.

June 14, 2019

3 Min Read
Oklahoma State cattle postflood2.jpg
The immediate danger of livestock lost to floodwaters may be receding, but post-flood diseases may now be an issue for cattle operations.Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services

Cattle producers who recently experienced flooding events need to be on the lookout for signs of blackleg and anthrax in their cattle, according to Oklahoma State University.

“Incidences of both diseases can easily occur in periods of dry weather after floodwaters recede,” said Dr. Barry Whitworth, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension veterinarian and food animal quality and health specialist. “Floodwaters disturb the soil, which can expose the spores that trigger the diseases. The floodwaters then can carry the spores into areas where cattle graze.”

Whitworth added that cattle producers who experience the sudden death of their livestock after floodwaters recede should contact their veterinarian to obtain a diagnosis, because if anthrax is suspected, the state veterinarian may also need to be notified.

Blackleg is caused by Clostridium chauvoei. Anthrax is an infection caused by Bacillus anthracis. Both bacteria are found worldwide, and the diseases they cause tend to be acute and highly fatal.

“The bacteria primarily gain access to an animal’s body through ingestion, especially if the grass becomes short due to overgrazing or dry conditions,” Whitworth said. “To a lesser extent, both organisms may contaminate an open wound, and anthrax organisms may be inhaled.”

Blackleg typically is associated with cattle, but the disease can occur in other ruminants as well, Whitworth explained. Anthrax occurs mostly in ruminants but can occur in other animals, including people.

In cases of blackleg, the onset of the disease typically occurs in livestock between six months and two years of age. Animals more than two years of age rarely contract the disease.

Whitworth said livestock operators rarely see clinical signs of blackleg, with most producers simply finding dead animals. “The few animals found alive often show signs of depression, lameness, swelling of an infected area, fever, pain and crepitus under the skin, which will feel and sound much like bubble wrap when palpitated,” he said.

With anthrax, the disease is characterized by high fever, anorexia, abdominal pain, bloody urine or bloody diarrhea. This is typically followed by severe depression, respiratory distress, muscle tremors and convulsions in affected animals. Cattle of any age can contract anthrax.

“Animal carcasses tend to decompose rapidly,” Whitworth said. “Blood may exude from the mouth, nose and anus. With blackleg, the large muscles of the shoulder and hind leg will be swollen. This is typically where the crepitus can be felt. Lymph nodes may be swollen with anthrax.”

Whitworth cautioned livestock producers against opening carcasses suspected of having blackleg or anthrax. This is because it may allow spore formation to contaminate the soil in the area. In addition, people can contract anthrax, so it is not worth the risk.

Although treatment of blackleg is typically unrewarding, if an animal suffering from the disease is found to be alive, it can be administered large doses of antibiotics and supportive care, Whitworth said, noting that anthrax is very susceptible to many antibiotics if caught early enough.

“Producers should consult with their veterinarian in regard to proper antibiotic selection,” Whitworth said. “Again, it is vitally important livestock carcasses be dealt with properly to reduce the chance of soil contamination and spore formation. Deep burial of the carcass typically is necessary.”

Whitworth reminded cattle producers that the best prevention strategy against blackleg is to vaccinate.

“Calves should be vaccinated between 60 and 90 days of age, followed by a second vaccination in four to six weeks,” he said. “Producers may only vaccinate for anthrax if approved by the state veterinarian.”

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