Two cows on Becker County farm die of anthrax

Authorities said two cows on a Becker County farm have died of anthrax.

The Minnesota Board of Animal health says they're the state's first anthrax cases of the year.

The herd will remain quarantined for 30 days from the day of its last anthrax death. The herd was not vaccinated for the disease this year.

Anthrax is caused by spores in the soil. Cattle, sheep, and goats are the most commonly affected species. It's not transmitted from animal to animal. In rare cases, humans can get it by handling or eating infected products.

Officials say it's unusual to see anthrax so early in the year, but the cows that died were on pasture in an area where anthrax had been detected in the past.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.