Also in our General Store Closing the Distance Videotape. Anthrax is a naturally occurring disease with worldwide distribution. It is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore- forming bacteria that can remain alive, but dormant in the soil for many years. By the time an animal displays signs of disease, including staggering, trembling, convulsions, or bleeding from body openings, death usually follows. Domestic and wild swine are fairly resistant to anthrax and although they may become ill, some of these animals recover fully.
Outbreaks usually end when cool weather arrives and the bacteria becomes dormant.
An outbreak may occur one year, but not the next. Death loss may occur in one pasture, while animals nearby remain healthy. An effective anthrax vaccine can be purchased through private veterinary practitioners, feed stores or animal health product distributors. To prevent contaminating the ground with the anthrax spores or organisms, regulations require that property or livestock owners thoroughly burn carcasses of animals that may have died from anthrax. Wear long sleeves and protect your hands with gloves, and do not move or open bloated carcasses, as this could release bacteria into the air, causing further disease spread.