LILY HOFFMANN
A SWAN Hill farming property has been quarantined after Agriculture Victoria confirmed a positive case of anthrax at the farm.
Authorities were alerted to the property following the sudden death of 33 sheep, with one testing positive to anthrax.
Chief veterinary officer for Victoria, Charles Milne said the property was immediately placed under quarantine restrictions with the movement of stock on or off the property prohibited.
Earlier this week, veterinarians and animal health staff tested neighbouring stock and vaccinated animals at risk.
While antrax is a rare, yet serious bacterial illness which can be contracted by humans, Mr Milne said the findings did not pose a threat to the wider Swan Hill community.
“Unless you are handling Anthrex carcasses there is no risk to the general public,” Dr Milne said.
Anthrax is a condition often found in livestock and animals, caused by a naturally occurring bacteria.
According to Mary Slater of Pye Street Vet Clinic, Anthrax is a bacterial disease that stays in the environment for decades.
She said anthrax was caused by a bacteria that occurred in soil, noting it was more common in the warmer months, when cattle and sheep dig deeper into the soil when grazing.
“They are hoping to have it contained where they are,” Dr Slater said.
“There hasn’t been a case of anthrax in the Swan Hill area since 2002.
“Several members of the department are in the area containing the situation.”
For more on this story, check out Wednesday’s Guardian (February 08)
