The Saskatchewan ministry of agriculture has confirmed a case of anthrax in the RM of South Qu’Appelle, east of Regina.

Anthrax was confirmed as the cause of death in one animal in a flock of sheep and is the suspected cause of death of four additional sheep on the same farm.

Anthrax is a soil bacteria, with spores that can survive for decades.

Changes in soil moisture, from flooding and drying, can lead to a build-up of spores which concentrate in sloughs and potholes.

There is increased risk to anthrax in dry years and livestock are infected when they eat contaminated forage.

Anthrax can be prevented by vaccination and the agriculture ministry is reminding producers to be on the lookout for anthrax in their animals.

Producers in areas with anthrax are encouraged to vaccinate their animals each year.

Animal cases pose minimal risk to humans but people can be infected through direct contact with sick or dead animals.
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