Second anthrax outbreak confirmed: cattle on property near Shepparton

Agriculture Victoria is calling on farmers to immediately report any sudden deaths of cattle or sheep, after a second outbreak.

Past anthrax outbreaks in Victoria have occurred on properties that lie on old stock routes, where anthrax spores remain dormant in soil for decades.

Anthrax has been detected at second beef cattle property in the Shepparton region, following an initial detection at a neighbouring property last week.

A total of 10 beef cattle have died across the two properties, with remaining livestock vaccinated.

Agriculture Victoria veterinarians and animal health staff are working closely with livestock owners in the region to assist with surveillance and vaccinations if necessary.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke said the second detection was not

unexpected in northern Victoria, particularly during summer.

“Local farmers, veterinarians and Agriculture Victoria are well prepared to handle these incidents, with quarantine and biosecurity arrangements in place and vaccinations underway for potentially exposed livestock,” Dr Cooke said.

Outbreaks often occur during summer, when livestock ingest soil while grazing, which can contain dormant anthrax bacterial spores.

Once ingested, the bacteria produce potent toxins that cause the clinical signs of anthrax including fever, inappetence, lethargy or sudden death, often with a bloodstained exudate visible at the nose, mouth and/or anus.

Agriculture Victoria reminded farmers that anthrax was a notifiable disease and it was vital they report any sudden deaths of sheep or cattle, without any obvious cause.

Agriculture Victoria staff can be contacted via phone on the all-hours Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.