Saskatchewan: government confident of containing anthrax outbreak

The Government of Saskatchewan said it does not expect any more deaths related to the small anthrax outbreak in the Rural Municipality of Paynton. The outbreak has killed so far two cows, prompting provincial authorities to remind livestock owners to monitor their animals’ health. According to Dr. Wendy Wilkins, the provincial disease surveillance veterinarian with the Ministry of Agriculture, the response to the event has been quick, and animals have been treated and vaccinated, protecting them from the disease. However, she urged farmers to report to the Ministry of Agriculture within 24 hours if they suspected their animals being infected with anthrax. She also advised them not to move or open dead animals because it could spread the anthrax bacteria. The best way to dispose of the carcasses is by burning or burying them deep in the ground.
It is the first anthrax outbreak in Saskatchewan in 2025. Cases were also detected in the province in 2022 and 2023.