Anthrax had not been diagnosed in any of these counties and prior flooding may have introduced the B. anthracis organism into these new areas of Minnesota. The last reported human case in the United States was 1992 and in Minnesota 1953. Consequently, B. anthracis spores found in the soil are resistant and may remain viable in the soil for decades. These three proteins in concert are responsible for the lesions, illness and possible deaths in both animals and humans. Most animals, particularly cattle and sheep, are infected while grazing contaminated anthrax areas.
Flooding can contaminate low-lying areas.
In Europe and Canada pastures have been contaminated after flooding with waste from tanneries. Also the consumption of inadequately processed, contaminated feedstuffs of animal origin, such as bloodmeal or bonemeal, has been implicated as a cause of anthrax outbreaks. Death occurs approximately 24 hours after the initial signs of illness. Animals may hemorrhage from the mouth, nose and anus. Cattle, sheep and horses are most commonly affected animals with this form of anthrax.