Anthrax found in calf in Meade County, state vet says

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- Anthrax has been confirmed in a beef herd in Meade County, the South Dakota State Veterinarian said in a news release.

The illness affected one calf in a herd of about 60 pairs, state veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson said in the release. The herd had been vaccinated within the past year. The herd vaccination along with a quick response and veterinary oversight limited the illness to that one calf, according to Thompson.

The herd has been quarantined by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board. Neighboring herd owners have been notified.

This is the first confirmed anthrax case this year.

Anthrax bacterial spores can infect an animal and can cause respiratory or cardiac distress, staggering, seizures, other symptoms and death.