Thursday, August 2, 2001

Anthrax rumors not cause for much concern

Anthrax has killed a few Texas deer this summer, as it does most every year.
   The key word here is "few."
   Rumors of anthrax killing as many as 300 deer on a single ranch are unconfirmed and likely false. Such a kill wouldn't make a dent in the Texas deer population anyway, though it might be bad news for an individual ranch.
   A recent outbreak in southwest Texas - and I hesitate to call it an outbreak - is nothing for hunters to be alarmed about, said biologists, ranch owners and officials at the Texas Animal Health Commission.
   Most cases are north of Hwy. U.S. 90 and within an 80-mile radius of Del Rio.
   Size of the problem
   It would be difficult to count the number of white-tailed deer lost to the disease in any given season, because anthrax-infected deer rarely die in public places. And they die quickly, often within hours of being infected. Health officials say there have been reports of 50 to 100 dead deer from a handful of ranches between Barksdale and Camp Wood, in southeast Edwards and southwest Real counties. These die-offs constitute the only significant losses of wild deer reported this year.
   Other recent anthrax reports have been confined to the counties of Val Verde, Uvalde, Kinney and western Bandera. Historically, the disease occurs in a triangle bounded by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. Many ranchers in this area routinely vaccinate their animals against the disease, which keeps livestock losses to a minimum.
   The anthrax vaccine has not been approved for white-tailed deer. Even if the vaccine is approved, few deer will allow someone close enough to stick it with a needle and syringe.
   It's suspected that some cases go unreported by ranchers and deer outfitters because small outbreaks are considered "quite ordinary," said Carla Everett of the TAHC.
   All about anthrax
   Anthrax is a naturally occurring disease caused by spore-forming bacteria, which can lie dormant in soil for years, waiting for the right conditions to give it life. Blooms generally occur after periods of wet, cooler weather followed by several weeks of hot, dry conditions.
   Generally, the threat ends with the coming of fall.
   Anthrax spores can contaminate surface soil, along with grasses and weeds. Animals become infected when they eat contaminated grass, breath spores or otherwise come in contact with the disease, possibly through open sores.
   Grazing animals such as sheep, goats, horses, deer and cattle are most affected. By the time an animal shows signs of the disease, it's too late. Death usually comes after episodes of tremors, convulsions or bleeding from body openings.
   TAHC officials urge ranchers to report suspected anthrax cases. Call (800) 658-6570 to report or ask questions.
   If you spot an animal that you suspect is dying from anthrax or come across a fresh-dead animal, researchers in Uvalde would like to know. Just call the number above.
   Don't touch or go near the animal. Confirmation is pending on two suspected human cases of anthrax. Both men developed skin lesions after handling infected livestock.
   Animals that die from the disease should be burned thoroughly. No one is suggesting that ranch owners and hunting-lease holders seek out dead deer to burn. This advice mostly applies to domestic livestock.
   In humans, anthrax is treatable with antibiotics during early stages of the disease. But it can be fatal if gone untreated.
   Do not handle animals killed by anthrax without gloves. Wear long sleeves, too. Do not handle bloated animals, because doing so could release toxins into the air. After an incubation period of up to 10 days, humans who breathe anthrax spores exhibit flu-like symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately. Without early treatment, this can be fatal.
   Eating anthrax-infected meat also can affect humans. Such cases are extremely rare and can be avoided by properly cooking meat.
   In counties with a burn ban, coordinate burnings with local fire authorities.
   Wash your hands thoroughly after handling infected animals. Anthrax in contact with human skin can cause blister-like sores.
   Keep dogs away from infected carcasses. Dogs reportedly are resistant to anthrax, but can develop infections from exposure that may require treatment.
   Hogs also are said to be resistant to the disease, but can harbor the bacteria. So do not eat feral hogs taken from affected areas.
   Do not collect antlers, bones, horns, etc. from affected areas. Anthrax can survive, even if bones are bleached.
  
  
  

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