AGRICULTURE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE BULLETIN: ANTHRAX PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING IN LLOYDMINSTER

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recently confirmed a case of anthrax in the Lloydminster area. One animal has died and four recent mortalities on the premises are being investigated.

In response to the latest discovery of the disease in this area (which was previously affected 30 years ago), as well as the potential for additional outbreaks in the region, a public informational meeting has been organized. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 13, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Wild Rose Pavilion, Exhibition Grounds, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and includes the following agenda:

• 1:30 p.m. Opening Remarks - Bryan Doig, Livestock DevelopmentSpecialist, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
• 1:40 p.m. Overview of Anthrax - How it is Spread, the Disease and its Control - Dr. Steve Hendrick, D.V.M., Western College of Veterinary Medicine
• 2:25 p.m. History of Anthrax in Canada, Regulatory Actions and Carcass Disposal - Dr. Sandra Stephens, D.V.M., Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• 3:05 p.m. Anthrax and Humans - Dr. Brenda Cholin, M.D., Medical Health Officer, Prairie North Health Region
• 3:30 p.m.Refreshments - Courtesy of Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Inc.

Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which is commonly found in alkaline soil. The bacteria can grow rapidly under wet soil conditions and then form spores when the soil dries. Changes in soil moisture, from flooding and drying, can lead to a build-up of the spores on pastures. Spores can also surface when the ground is cultivated or when there is excessive run-off.

While it can affect all mammals, the form seen in livestock is not highly contagious. Animals develop infection when anthrax spores enter their body, most often through grazing contaminated pastures. Affected animals are usually found dead without any signs of illness. Typically, the carcass shows rapid decomposition and there is bleeding from the body.
The CFIA is working with provincial and municipal colleagues and industry to address the anthrax risk in the prairies. As environmental conditions in a number of regions in Saskatchewan could lead to the outbreak of additional cases, the CFIA is encouraging producers to vaccinate their livestock against the disease.

For additional information concerning anthrax, visit www.inspection.gc.ca and click on Animals/Diseases/Anthrax, or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

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For more information, contact:

Bryan Doig
Agriculture and Food
Yorkton
Phone: 306-446-7477

Dr. Sandra Stephens
CFIA
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5196