DPI has launched a vaccination program for about 5000 cattle in the district.

It's the first time anthrax has been found on these properties, but not a long way from the last outbreak west of Tatura in 2004 which killed about 10 cattle.

The infected properties have been quarantined and all cattle vaccinated.

DPI chief veterinary officer George Miller said the first sudden death occurred on a dairy farm on January 17 and subsequently 18 cattle died. Five further deaths were reported on another three properties last week.

Dr Miller said neighbours were notified after the first case was confirmed.

Anthrax spores lie dormant in the soil until disturbed or eaten by cattle. Dr Miller said although outbreaks most often occurred in summer it was not possible to say why this outbreak had occurred.

Dr Miller urged farmers in the region to report any sudden or unexplained death of livestock to their veterinary surgeons or to the Tatura DPI office. Cattle can die within hours of contracting the disease.

Source: Country News