A FARMER’S early reporting is being praised for preventing the likelihood of anthrax impacting more livestock at a Swan Hill property.
The disease was detected as the likely cause of death in six sheep to date on the property, which has been quarantined.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said thanks to the farmer’s early reporting, the necessary steps to reduce the likelihood of the detection impacting more livestock had been put in place and at-risk livestock were being vaccinated.
“Anthrax is caused by a naturally occurring bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, that is known to be present for long periods in the soil in parts of northern and north west Victoria,” he said.
“It is not unusual for incidents of anthrax to be detected in cattle and sheep in the region during the warmer months when it is drier and cattle and sheep forage deeper into the soil when grazing.
“Quarantine controls that were put in place will not affect the movement of any local people or vehicles.”
Agriculture Victoria said anthrax was not a concern for the general public as it didn’t spread rapidly and wasn’t very contagious.
Any risk was confined to people who handle dead livestock such as farmers, veterinarians and knackery workers and there was no impact on local produce or food safety.
Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Dr Berwyn Squire said the producer initially notified the department on Saturday following the sudden death in sheep that was suspicious of anthrax.
“The animal health officer went out immediately and investigated and carried out a pen side test which indicated suspected of anthrax.
“The sample was sent to the lab and confirmed that it was anthrax.
“That afternoon myself and the animal health officer went out and vaccinated any at-risk animal that were there
“After that the property is quarantined, and the dead animals disposed of (usually by burning), and the contaminated site was disinfected.”
Dr Squire said farmers in the Swan Hill district were “very proactive” in managing risk of anthrax.
“It’s happened over the past couple of years, in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and through annual vaccinations, having property management plans and whenever there are any sudden deaths ringing the 24-hour hotline, farmers know what to do.”
Dr Squire said while incidents commonly occur during the warmer months when it’s drier, cases of anthrax have occurred, and may occur, at any time of year so continued vigilance is required.
Local farmers, veterinarians and Agriculture Victoria are well prepared to handle these incidents that occur from time to time, Dr Cooke said.
“This includes pre-emptively vaccinating stock each year and if there is a detection, the implementation of strict quarantine and biosecurity arrangements, the vaccination of potentially exposed stock and the destruction of the carcasses of affected animals.”
Quarantine is released after 20 days have passed since the last death from anthrax, which is the incubation periods plus a safety margin.
Dr Squire said through on-the-ground relationships with farmers and stakeholders, including the Swan Regional Livestock Exchange, raising awareness of diseases such as anthrax was routine practice.
“Information in fact sheets as well as online is regularly reviewed and provided to farmers and others in the livestock supply chain,” she said.
Dr Squire said a biosecurity alert has gone out to all vets who are subscribed to the clinic making them aware of the occurrence and how they can support farmers.
“Being based in Swan Hill means we have the local knowledge needed in an occurrence of this kind and means we can provide the latest advice and information from our animal health and research experts from within the broader Agriculture Victoria team and share that with local farmers,” Dr Squire said.
“Early reporting has significantly reduced the number of deaths and the farmer is to be commended.”
“This is not the fault of anyone. Farmers have been doing everything right to prevent and eradicate this disease.
“The unfortunate history of anthrax across the state has shown occurrences can reoccur in any part of the state if conditions are conducive and potentially for a number of years in a row.”
