Fall/Winter 2001

Species Profile: Anthrax

In September of 1991 anthrax was confirmed in whitetail deer in Sunflower County near Ruleville, Mississippi. Ten deaths of deer occurred in Leflore County and five occurred in Tallahatchie County that same year due to anthrax. It was suspected that similar deaths of deer that had occurred in other counties that same year was caused by anthrax. No death in Mississippi's deer population due to anthrax has occurred since 1991.

Anthrax is an acute, infectious, bacterial disease which can be fatal to deer, cattle and humans. It is usually a soil-borne infection and major changes in soil moisture, such as extreme wetness or extreme drought, can cause the bacteria to proliferate and become available to be ingested by deer.

Soil and water can also become contaminated from diseased animals. Susceptible animals can contract the disease by drinking and feeding in a contaminated area. Scavengers and predators can transmit the bacteria; although much less frquently, bloodsucking insects can too.

Only a few parts of the world are free from anthrax and it has caused significant die-offs of white tailed deer in virtually all states in the United States. Once deer contract the disease, they appear dull and apathetic, lose coordination (stagger) and become stiff legged. Bloody discharges from the nose and anus are common signs. Deer with anthrax usually die within 48 hours of exhibiting these symptoms.

When sick or dead deer are observed, no attempt should be made to move or examine the animal. One should notify a local conservation officer. As reported in recent news, humans are highly susceptible to the disease, which in extreme cases can be fatal if not treated.

In 1881 Louis Pasteur developed an effective vaccine for anthrax. Anthrax is an excellent example of a wildlife disease that has been controlled by vaccination. From 1962 through 1967 almost 20,000 bison in Canada were rounded up by helicopters and vaccinated.

This article was written by James Cummins, Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation.