Anthrax confirmed in a Briscoe County steer

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials received confirmation of anthrax in a steer on a premises in Briscoe County on December 31, 2025. This is the first reported case of anthrax in Texas this year.

The premises are located 5 miles north of Silverton, Texas, and have been quarantined. TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas. Anthrax cases in Texas are most often found in a triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona, and Eagle Pass. However, anthrax was confirmed in Briscoe County in 2020 and 2023, and other locations in the Texas panhandle have been identified since then.

“Zoonotic diseases like anthrax pose a risk to both animal and human health,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC state veterinarian and executive director. “This case serves as a reminder to monitor and vaccinate susceptible animals, reduce human exposure, and consult a veterinary practitioner if you suspect your animals are exposed.”

An increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions, is common. In these conditions, animals ingest the odorless, colorless, and tasteless anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay or by inhaling the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.

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After exposure to anthrax, it typically takes three to seven days for animals to show clinical signs. Once symptoms begin, death usually occurs within 48 hours. Acute fever followed by rapid death with bloody discharge from body openings are signs of anthrax in livestock. If a noticeable amount of deer or exotic wildlife are found dead, and carcasses show bleeding characteristic of anthrax, remove livestock from access to carcasses immediately.

Owners of livestock and animals displaying clinical signs consistent with anthrax or experiencing the death of animals should contact a private veterinary practitioner or a TAHC official immediately.

Producers are encouraged to follow basic sanitation precautions when handling affected livestock or carcasses. It is recommended to wear protective gloves, long sleeve shirts, and to wash thoroughly afterward to prevent accidental spread of the bacteria to people. For more information on how anthrax affects humans, please visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/IDCU/disease/anthrax/Information.aspx .

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