This is a cell-free filtrate vaccine, meaning that it contains no dead or live bacteria. Vaccination may be part of a treatment regimen for individuals exposed to B. anthracis. Anthrax is a reportable disease in Minnesota. MBAH veterinarians investigate all anthrax outbreaks and assist local practitioners in carrying out the MBAH rules. When B. anthracis is exposed to oxygen, the organism transforms to a spore.
Spores are resistant to temperature extremes, chemical disinfectants and desiccation.
Animals that have died from anthrax should not be opened and under the supervision of a MBAH veterinarian should be burned. Anthrax carcasses cannot be moved over public highways. If an animal is diagnosed with anthrax, all animals on that farm will be placed under quarantine for 30 days after the last animal has died. Animals should be removed from potentially contaminated pastures and vaccinated with an approved vaccine under the supervision of MBAH staff. On anthrax contaminated premises, it is recommended that cattle should be vaccinated annually, preferably during the spring, for a period of five years after the most recent anthrax outbreak.