Swan Hill anthrax incident quickly resolved

Victoria's chief veterinary officer Dr Charles Milne said the affected property had now been quarantined and appropriate biosecurity protections were in place.

“We are urging local farmers to continue to be vigilant and report any symptoms in livestock that may be related to anthrax,” Dr Milne said.

Anthrax is caused by a naturally occurring bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, which is known to exist in soil in parts of Northern Victoria.

Dr Milne said it was not unusual for incidents of anthrax to be detected in cattle and sheep in the region, with several farms in the Swan Hill area affected in March 2017, which saw over 4000 sheep vaccinated, and a property in March this year.

"Incidents tend to occur during the warmer months when it's drier and livestock forage deeper into the soil when eating grass," he said.

“We are well prepared to handle these incidents and we are currently contacting local farmers and veterinarians.”

He said all sheep on the affected property had now been vaccinated.

He said appropriate disposals had also already taken place.

The current evidence suggests that only one property was affected.

He said anthrax was not a concern for the public, as it does not spread rapidly and was not contagious.

He said any risk is confined to the people who handle dead livestock, such as farmers, veterinarians and knackery workers.

He also said there was no risk to local produce or food safety.

Agriculture Victoria will continue to work with nearby farmers, veterinarians and the local community to monitor the situation.

Dr Milne said local farmers, veterinarians and Agriculture Victoria are well prepared to handle these incidents.

There is a 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline that farmers are urged to use if they need to report any cases of unexplained livestock deaths on their properties.

They are also urged to contact their local vet or Agriculture Victoria animal health staff.