2006-07-18
Author: AM 1250/Mix 96 FM News
Another outbreak of anthrax has been reported in the province, this time in southeastern Manitoba.  The 4 farms affected so far are in the R.M.'s of Stuartburn and Franklin.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed 25 animals have died; including 1 horse and 24 head of cattle.  Disease Control Specialist Sandra Stephens says animals usually come into contact with anthrax spores through 3 different ways; after very wet conditions expose spores at the surface, large amounts of soil are moved due to trenching or digging, or very dry conditions following wet conditions.  Quaratines have been imposed on the affected farms, and vaccination of the remaining cattle has begun.  This is the province's 2nd outbreak of anthrax in about a year.  Approximately 2 dozen animals died from infection during July and August 2005 in the R.M.'s of Lorne, Dufferin, and Argyle.