There was a anthrax problem within 200 miles of our herd this fall and some entire herds had to be destroyed. They have now issued a goverment progam to reimburse these producers but even top market value will not replace years of breeding and the hand picked herd of these ranchers. I have offspring of the cattle my father had which gave me my seed stock, and knowing your cattle will come to you when you call and knowing who is who in the herd is priceless. I talked with vet and he said there was a vaccine for it but was shortlived and recommended it for high risk cattle only. I was wondering if anyone else has heard of this being a problem. I have heard it can live in the soil-travel in waterways, how much of this is true? Anyone know the facts? Steve-ND

-- Steve (nevets_67@hotmail.com), February 10, 2001

Answers

If you don't mind not sleeping, check out:

http://www.mad-cow.org/~tom/anthrax.html http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/asiapcf/9906/21/anthrax.island/

and search for "Gruinard Island Anthrax" or some-such.

-- Martin Boraas (boraas@miliserv.net), February 10, 2001.