South Dakota Cattle producers are being advised to vaccinate their animals for anthrax. State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says now is a good time to get those vaccinations done. He says it’s a good idea to do those every year despite the fact that anthrax cases have been on the downswing the past several years.

He says it’s very cost effective to vaccinate for anthrax.

Oedekoven says if you suspect anthrax has popped up to make sure you contact your local veterinarian or the South Dakota Animal Industry Board.

Anthrax is caused by bacteria that can develop into an environmentally resistant spore form that can remain in the soil for decades.