Texas health officials have confirmed a case of anthrax in a Barbary sheep, or aoudad, in Uvalde County, the first such infection recorded this year.
Anthrax is found all over South Texas but most often arises in a triangular area defined by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass and known as the “Anthrax Triangle.”
Texas Animal Health Commission officials said the sheep was on a ranch located 16 miles northwest of Uvalde. The site has been quarantined.
“The TAHC is closely monitoring the situation in Uvalde County,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC state veterinarian and executive director. “Producers are encouraged to consult their veterinary practitioner or TAHC Region Office for questions about the disease in livestock and a medical professional with concerns about personal anthrax exposure.”
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas.
Anthrax cases commonly increase after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions. In this case, rainfall exposed the contaminated spores and provided opportunities for animals to inhale the spores or ingest the anthrax bacteria while consuming grass or hay.
Most outbreaks end with the onset of cooler weather.
After exposure to anthrax, it typically takes three to seven days for animals to show clinical signs. Once symptoms begin, death usually occurs within 48 hours.
Owners of livestock and animals displaying clinical signs consistent with anthrax or experiencing death of animals should contact a private veterinary practitioner or a TAHC official immediately.
Anthrax is on the federal list of potential bioterrorism agents and is a zoonotic disease – a disease that can leap from animals to humans. Anyone handling animals suspected of exposure to anthrax should take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and gloves.
