A property in remote Victoria is thought to have had many cow deaths due to an anthrax epidemic.
Following the deaths of five beef cattle, Agriculture Victoria has confirmed that the beef property northeast of Shepparton was placed under quarantine.
All livestock left have received their vaccinations.
The spore-forming bacteria that naturally exist in soil are the cause of anthrax illness.
Humans may be affected by the illness in rare instances.
Animals who have anthrax signs include fever, appetite loss, lethargy, or abrupt death; frequently, blood is seen at the mouth, nose, or anus.
Dr. Graeme Cooke, Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria, reported that the sickness on the property had been identified early.
“Due to early reporting by the impacted farmer and veterinarians, swift action was able to be taken to reduce the likelihood of the detection impacting more livestock,” Cooke stated.
“Quarantine controls will not affect the movement of local people, vehicles, or livestock.”
Victoria’s Agriculture Department emphasised that the illness did not spread quickly and was not human communicable.
It stated that the risk to the general public’s health was limited to those who handled afflicted livestock.
In February 2022, anthrax was last found in Victoria, close to Swan Hill.
