NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
BEAR RIVER HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROVIDES INFORMATION FOLLOWING ANTHRAX DETECTION IN DECEASED COW
Logan, UT — The Bear River Health Department (BRHD) is informing the public of a recent incident involving a deceased cow from Idaho that was submitted to the Utah State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. Laboratory results confirmed the animal died from an infection of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, otherwise known as anthrax. Individuals who had direct exposure have been identified and are receiving preventive treatment, including antibiotics and the anthrax vaccine, in accordance with established public health protocols. These measures are highly effective at preventing illness after exposure.
BRHD wants the community to understand the reason for publicly sharing this information. Anthrax can sometimes sound alarming because it is occasionally referenced in connection with bioterrorism. In this situation, however, the infection was a naturally occurring case found in livestock, not a deliberate event. The department is providing this information proactively so that if community members hear that preventive antibiotics or vaccines were administered, they understand this was done out of caution and in line with public health procedures—not because of any ongoing threat to the public.
Anthrax bacteria naturally occur in soil and have been identified in livestock in various parts of the United States for many years. While the finding may sound concerning, officials emphasize that this type of detection is not unexpected in agricultural settings and does not indicate a public health threat.
Anthrax is not spread person to person. Most people are never exposed, and the risk to the general public remains extremely low. Cases in humans are rare and typically associated with direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
BRHD is working in coordination with Utah State University, state partners, and federal agencies to ensure appropriate mitigation, follow-up and monitoring. No additional risk to the community has been identified at this time.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Bear River Health Department at 435-792-6525.
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