![Anthrax poisoning for livestock is very rare, but more prevalent in hot and dry conditions. Anthrax poisoning for livestock is very rare, but more prevalent in hot and dry conditions.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-agfeed/2056761.jpg/r0_0_613_408_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
PRODUCERS in the Central West have been warned to be on the lookout for anthrax poisoning in their livestock.
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Central West Local Land Services district vet Jillian Kelly said the current dry, hot weather created conditions favourable for the emergence of anthrax events in those areas that have had a history of the disease in the past.
"Apart from sudden death in livestock, there are implications for our export markets and humans can also contract the disease," she said.
"For these reasons, we encourage ratepayers to report and investigate any sudden deaths in livestock.
"We also recommended that properties with a history of anthrax consider vaccinating to protect their stock.
"Vaccination is the only way to control and prevent anthrax.
"Vaccination will not only prevent stock deaths in the short term, but will also decrease the risk of anthrax over time.
"No deaths occurring will help to break the cycle, as there are no fresh spores produced to infect the soil."
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by bacillus anthracis and appears to be more prevalent in the summer and autumn months.
The bacterium produces highly resistant spores which can persist in the soil for at least 60 years.
Stock may become infected through ingesting or inhaling the spores.
Anthrax can occur in stock of all ages and classes.
If spores are ingested or inhaled, they quickly multiply inside the animal and may lead to sudden death.
Animals dying from anthrax may have a dark bloody discharge coming from body orifices, although this does not happen in all cases.
While the incidence of anthrax is very low, the impacts can be severe, Ms Kelly said.
DPI senior veterinary officer Graham Bailey agreed the chances of livestock contracting anthrax were extremely low.
"In the context of cattle deaths, it is absolutely rare," he said.
Mr Bailey said while anthrax poisoning was "very infrequent", there was more of a chance of it occurring in dry years.
Mr Bailey said there was no link at all to the anthrax warning for the Central West to the mystery disease affecting cattle in the Western region.
Contact your closest LLS district veterinarian to find out more.