With no current cases of anthrax in NSW, livestock producers who manage high-risk properties where anthrax has occurred are reminded to vaccinate their cattle and sheep against anthrax to protect their animals.
The NSW Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) advise annual anthrax vaccination on high-risk properties in areas bordered by Bourke and Moree in the north, to Albury and Deniliquin in the south.
DPIRD senior veterinarian, Dione Howard, said vaccination is a preventative measure against anthrax, the spores of which can lie dormant in the soil for decades.
"Vaccination effectively prevents anthrax from occurring and helps break the cycle of spore production, reducing cases of this unpredictable and serious disease that can kill stock of any age or class with no warning," Dr Howard said.
"If vaccination is continued over time spores in the environment will die, reducing the risk of anthrax occurring in the future."
Producers should contact their LLS district vet to obtain specific advice for their properties.
Farmers can apply to use the vaccine through their LLS district veterinarian and once authorised, they can place an order for the vaccine with their local rural supplier or private veterinarian.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, which fortunately, has rarely affected people in NSW.
LLS veterinarian, Nik Cronin, said the disease is caused by the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, and affected stock often show few or no signs of ill health before they die.
"Be suspicious of anthrax if animals die suddenly and avoid the carcass. The disease may begin in a flock or herd with the deaths of single animals over a few days before increasing to dramatic losses in a very short time," Dr Cronin said.
Anthrax is a notifiable disease in NSW and anyone who suspects anthrax must report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, 1800 675 888.
