Anthrax

Anthrax Guidance 

Anthrax, which is caused by a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis, is an ever-present risk to livestock in Utah. The spores are naturally found in many parts of the westerns and midwestern United States. The spores can survive decades in the soil and only become infectious when soil conditions are ideal.

Last Reported Cases

  • Utah - 1970s
  • Idaho - February 2026
  • Wyoming - September 2024

Susceptible Species

  • Cattle and bison
  • Sheep and goats
  • Horses and mules
  • Llamas
  • Pigs
  • Farmed elk

Spread of Disease

  • Livestock become infected by breathing in spores or eating contaminated plants, soil, or water.
  • Outbreaks are often seen following heavy rains after a drought or during construction when soil is disturbed.
  • Anthrax does not spread from one live animal to another.
  • Vaccination can prevent the disease.

If you suspect anthrax:

  • DO NOT open or handle the carcass – this will release thousands of spores into the environment
  • DO NOT move the carcass
  • CONTACT your veterinarian
  • REPORT sick or dead wildlife to the Division of Wildlife Resources

Signs of Disease

  • Sudden death (most common)
    • +/- Lack of rigor mortis
    • +/- Blood around body openings
  • Weakness or staggering
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bloody diarrhea

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Protective, impermeable clothing (rubber apron and boots)
  • Long sleeves and pants
  • Rubber gloves
  • Respirator with HEPA filter

Disinfection of Equipment

  • Hot water and detergent to remove blood, dirt, hair, and other materials
  • 10% bleach with a 10-minute dwell time
  • Avoid calcium-containing disinfectants

Quarantine of Infected Herds

  • 30-day quarantine
    • After the last death OR after vaccination
    • No movement of hides/wool
  • Dispose of carcasses by burning in place
  • Move exposed animals to new pasture
  • Vaccination of all susceptible animals
    • 42-day meat withhold
    • No milk withhold
    • May treat with penicillin or oxytetracycline before vaccination (delay vaccination for 2-5 days)

Sample Collection Information for Veterinarians (if you choose to take samples)

  • Preferred—Whole blood (purple top) from jugular vein
  • Other samples if whole blood is not available
    • Blood-soaked cotton swab or umbilical tape from fluids from body openings
    • Cotton swab soaked with fluid from the spleen (only if body was open before suspicion of anthrax)
  • Submit to Utah Public Health Laboratory (NOTIFY BEFORE SUBMISSION at (801) 965-6586.)

Reporting

Anthrax is a reportable disease in Utah. Any livestock owner, veterinarian, or laboratory that suspects anthrax in a domestic animal must report it to the State Veterinarian's office at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This reporting allows UDAF and the Division of Wildlife Resources to monitor livestock and wildlife in the area and to notify nearby herds of the risk.

Anthrax Guidance for Producers
Anthrax Guidance for Veterinarians
Anthrax in Idaho Newsletter