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Texas animal health officials have reported additional cases of animal anthrax in the state over the past month:

Anthrax Confirmed in an Edwards County Spanish Goat

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Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials received confirmation of anthrax in a Spanish goat, on a premises in Edwards County on August 13, 2023. This is the first case of anthrax in the county this year.

The premises is located 12 miles southwest of Rocksprings, Texas, and has been quarantined. TAHC rules  require proper disposal of affected carcasses on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.

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Anthrax Confirmed in a Briscoe County Beef Cow

Additionally, officials received confirmation of anthrax in a beef cow, on a premises in Briscoe County on August 25, 2023. This is the first case of anthrax in the county this year.

The premises is located 5 miles north of Silverton, Texas, and has been quarantined. TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.

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An increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions is common. In these conditions, animals ingest the odorless, colorless, and tasteless anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay or by inhaling the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.

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After exposure to anthrax, it typically takes three to seven days for animals to show clinical signs. Once symptoms begin, death usually occurs within 48 hours. Acute fever followed by rapid death with bloody discharge from body openings are signs of anthrax in livestock. If a noticeable amount of deer or exotic wildlife are found dead, and carcasses show bleeding characteristic of anthrax, remove livestock from access to carcasses immediately.

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