A second anthrax case for the year in NSW has prompted the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services to encourage farmers in the centre of the state to vaccinate their livestock.
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The diagnosis in a mob of rams is believed to be one of the most western cases of anthrax in NSW.
Earlier this year at least 350 sheep died from anthrax poisoning on a property near Nyngan.
The latest case occurred in the known "anthrax belt".
The Land reported earlier this year on anthrax outbreaks in southern Queensland over the last two years, with 120 head of cattle killed from a soil disturbance in March 2017 and another 30 sporadic deaths from October 2017 to January 2018. In 2013, dozens of cattle were killed on two properties near Moree.
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Drought conditions have created a favourable environment for anthrax infections and the most recent case occurred further west than would normally be expected.
DPI Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Graham Bailey said while there were no general public health risks or trade implications from the detection, in these conditions producers should consider vaccination to protect their livestock.
"Ingestion of soil by sheep, cattle and other ruminants is one of the key risk factors for anthrax, which is why drought conditions are increasing the risk," Dr Bailey said.
"Cases of anthrax in NSW tend to occur in an area which runs through the centre of the state; between Bourke and Moree in the north, to Albury and Deniliquin in the south.
"Anthrax can be prevented by annual vaccination of cattle and sheep. Producers in high risk locations are encouraged to consider vaccination."
A release from the DPI on Wednesday said: "Other risk factors include a history of anthrax on the property, grazing stubble or very short pastures, low ground cover, deep cultivation or earthworks in paddocks, rain causing soil movement or exposure, contact with infected carcasses and alkaline soils which favour spore survival.
"The state's second and most recent case was located in the Western Local Land Services region and occurred in a mob of rams.
"Biosecurity measures including stock movement restrictions and the vaccination of remaining livestock were immediately imposed."
"In both cases this year, the stock that developed anthrax were not vaccinated," Dr Bailey said.
Western Local Land Services District Veterinarian, Trent McCarthy said those wishing to vaccinate can apply to their Local Land Services District Veterinarian.
"Once approved you can order the vaccine through your local rural supplier or private veterinarian."
"Anyone who suspects anthrax must report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888."
For more information about preventing anthrax, visit the DPI website or call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
The DPI would not reveal the district where the new case was found, saying they had to preserve the privacy of the landholder and also denoting a region may hurt stock sales there.
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
