The state veterinarian's office says flooding and rain this spring could increase the risk of anthrax poisoning in livestock.
Anthrax spores occur naturally in the soil and can remain dormant for years, Drought, floods or wind expose the spores and they can be ingested when livestock graze close to the ground. Vaccines can protect livestock.
Once anthrax is detected, the herd is quarantined and the carcasses of infected animals must be burned or buried. It can infect humans who handle infected animals or inhale the spores released by the bacteria. It is treatable with antibiotics.