Anthrax confirmed in Hardeman County cow
A case of anthrax has been confirmed in a cow in Hardeman County.
Wichita County Ag Agent David Graf said the presence of the disease has been confirmed but tests on which variety of the illness was present have not yet been confirmed. He said tests are also being conducted on several dead cows found in the area.
"There is concern about an outbreak because it is very contagious," Graf said
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease found in soil and most often infects cattle, deer and wild hogs. The disease is potentially fatal and can be passed to other animals and people who handle livestock or carcasses. Humans can also be infected through improperly cooked meat.
Instances of the disease are rare in North Texas. The discovery means some cattle herds in the region may have to be vaccinated.
Graf said one of the concerns is the approach of deer hunting season in the fall. Deer are susceptible to anthrax, which kills them quickly. Wild hogs, which are hunted year-round, can carry the disease, but it is not as commonly fatal. That means humans can contract it by handling carcasses. Horses, sheep and goats can also be infected.
Graf said a veterinarian who spoke at a recent meeting in Quanah said the biggest concern was deer becoming the major cause for spreading anthrax.