The South Dakota Animal industry Board is investigating the death of two replacement heifers from a cattle herd in Stanley County. State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says it’s an unusual case of the disease showing up.

Oedekoven says anthrax usually occurs when extreme weather happens such as drought or flooding that disturbs the soil. He says then the spores rise to the surface and can be picked up by cattle grazing. He says if you notice the disease to work immediately with your local veterinarian.

Oedekoven says in this recent case in Stanley County, the producer had already vaccinated some of his herd for anthrax but hadn’t gotten these two replacement heifers vaccinated before the disease popped up.

Oedekoven says producers may want to consider vaccinating their herds for anthrax as summer approaches and weather conditions change.