Livestock producers who manage properties where anthrax has occurred or nearby properties have been reminded to vaccinate their cattle and sheep against anthrax, even though there are no current anthrax cases.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) advise annual anthrax vaccination on these high-risk properties.
NSW DPIRD senior veterinary officer, Amanda Walker, said vaccination is a preventative measure against anthrax, the spores of which can lie dormant in the soil for decades.
"Vaccination effectively prevents anthrax from occurring and helps break the cycle of spore production, reducing cases of this unpredictable and serious disease that can kill stock of any age or class with no warning," Dr Walker said.
"If vaccination is continued over time spores in the environment will die, reducing the risk of anthrax occurring in the future."
"Producers should contact their LLS district vet to obtain specific advice for their properties."
In the past, most anthrax cases have occurred in areas bordered by Bourke and Moree in the north, to Albury and Deniliquin in the south.
LLS veterinarian, Scott Ison, said the disease is caused by the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, and affected stock often show few or no signs of ill health before they die.
"Farmers can apply to use the vaccine through their LLS district veterinarian and once authorised, they can place an order for the vaccine with their local rural supplier or private veterinarian," Dr Ison said.
"Farmers should suspect anthrax if animals die suddenly, as in many cases there may be no other signs. The disease may begin in a flock or herd with the deaths of single animals over a few days before increasing to dramatic losses in a very short time."
Anthrax is listed as prohibited matter under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and is a notifiable disease in NSW.
Anyone who suspects anthrax must report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, 1800 675 888.
