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Ranchers.net
More Farms Quarantined Due to Anthrax Outbreak in Melfort Area
2006-07-05
Author: Neil Billinger-CJWW News
SaskatoonHomepage.ca
Canada
Three more farms are under quarantine to stem an anthrax outbreak in the Melfort area.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says 20 farms are quarantined in the Rural Municipalities of Willow Creek and Kinistino.
CFIA veterinarian Dr. Greg Douglas says more than 60 cattle have died, even though only two positive cases of anthrax have been identified. 35 samples are still being tested. Results are expected late Wednesday or Thursday.
The spores, which cause anthrax, can remain in the soil for decades. Wet weather and the resulting erosion this spring has brought those spores to the surface.
A public meeting will be held Thursday night at the Northeast Leisure Centre. A CFIA veterinarian and a public health official will answer questions about the anthrax situation. The meeting begins at 7pm.
The anthrax outbreak has also forced the cancellation of the Melfort Regional 4-H Beef Show and Sale this weekend. Organizers decided to cancel the event to prevent any potential opportunity to spread the disease to other areas. 125 4-H members from northeast Saskatchewan were slated to participate in the event.