What Is Anthrax?
While many people know anthrax as the white powder used to poison people, it’s actually a serious bacterial disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium.
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The bacteria occurs naturally in soil all around the world, infecting animals that accidentally consume it. In fact, anthrax almost exclusively affects animals. However, the contaminated animals can then infect humans.
What Does Anthrax Do to the Body?
When animals are infected with anthrax, they might show signs of fever and release blood through the nose and mouth, but there may be no signs at all. However, almost every animal will die within 72 hours.
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If a human contracts the disease, there is a 90% chance of death. But that’s only without treatment. For those who seek medical attention, the mortality rate is only 20%.
Symptoms of Anthrax Disease
Therefore, it’s imperative that people understand the symptoms of the disease so that, if they present, they reach out for help as soon as possible.
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Symptoms of anthrax disease can include vomiting, muscle aches, fever, and a cough. Although the symptoms seem similar to those of the flu, the illness will likely also lead to difficulty breathing, skin sores, and shock.
Anthrax Cannot Be Transmitted Between Humans
Realistically, the vast majority of people don’t have to worry about telling the difference between the flu and anthrax disease because only people who have come in contact with infected animals or touched a person with the disease could possibly have anthrax.
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The Mayo Clinic explains, “There’s no evidence that anthrax is transmitted from person to person, but it’s possible that anthrax skin lesions may be contagious through direct contact or through contact with a contaminated object.”
The Anthrax Outbreak in Wyoming
That being said, the wildly fatal disease is still extremely dangerous, and even a small outbreak is considered exceptionally concerning for the Department of Public Health.
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This is why the organization wants everyone to know that dozens of cows have been infected at farms in Wyoming. Local farmers, residents, hunters, and any American who consumes beef should understand that they are at risk.
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s Announcement
On August 31, 2024, the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory announced more than 50 cattle from multiple herds around Elk Mountain have died of anthrax disease this summer.
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Wyoming State Veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel said in a statement, “We have approximately 50 to 60 heads that have died at this time due to anthrax. It’s in a localized region at this time, but we are still investigating, and there could be other losses that we don’t know of quite yet.”
A Moose in Wyoming Died From Anthrax
And just a few days later, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department reported a confirmed case of anthrax in a dead moose wandering near the herds.
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And as Dr. Hasel explained, “Anybody that thinks they have been exposed to a carcass of an animal that may have died of anthrax, whether it be a cow, horse, moose or deer, they need to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Health or their medical provider as soon as possible.”
How to Avoid Contracting Anthrax
Of course, this advice is exceptionally important for hunters and farmers who regularly interact with these kinds of animals, dead or alive.
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However, people can be infected by eating undercooked meat from an animal that had anthrax when it was slaughtered. Therefore, anyone who eats wild game or beef from Wyoming should ensure they cook their food all the way through, at least until the outbreak is under control.
Reasons for Recent Anthrax Outbreak
For the average person, simply understanding that this outbreak is happening and the symptoms of anthrax is enough to protect themselves from the disease. But scientists also want to know why this has happened.
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Dr. Hasel explained their current theory: “We’ve had a little drought in the region and then extremely heavy rain,” she said. “This is what we think precipitated (the outbreak) in this particular region.”
Getting This Outbreak Under Control
Dr. Hasel also said, “We don’t exactly know how long this outbreak may occur. It depends upon the weather and the soil conditions.”
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She continued, “Another severe change in weather could decrease the contamination, and the spore may go away with another change in weather.” However, while waiting for the weather to change, there are steps farmers can take to protect their herds and themselves.
Can Farmers Help Minimize the Anthrax Outbreak?
Farmers must ensure that all grazing animals are vaccinated against anthrax. Even though they can still contract the disease, it’s far less common among vaccinated herds.
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Additionally, separating the infected cattle, burning the corpses of the deceased animals and the grass on which they died, and moving the herd from the contaminated area can all help contain an outbreak. Fortunately, everyone knows their jobs, and hopefully, this outbreak will be over as soon as it started.