Following confirmation of an anthrax outbreak on Monday, a second cow has been confirmed dead at a farm in Westbury.

Tests were being conducted on Thursday, after a second cow died on the Wiltshire farm where the death of an animal from anthrax led to restrictions being put in place and the closure of a public footpath near the farm earlier this week.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed that a second animal was found dead on the farm on Wednesday. A spokesperson told the BBC that the development is “Not unexpected” and reiterated that the risk to humans remains low.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can affect ruminants like cows and sheep, but can also potentially infect humans. Bacterial spores that transmit the disease are extremely hard to kill; they can survive for decades in soils and can tolerate harsh conditions.

**update 17.35 29/10/2015**

Tests on the second cow to die on the Westbury farm have confirmed evidence of anthrax infection. The cow was incinerated and movement will continue to be restricted at the farm, meanwhile investigations into the outbreak continue.

Maggie Rae, Director of Public Health and Wiltshire Council Corporate Director said, "As we've stated previously this development is not unexpected. All the appropriate precautions are being taken as with the first cow and the rest of the group continue to be monitored closely.

"We continue to work with our colleagues from DEFRA, Environment Agency and APHA to investigate this case and closely monitor the welfare of the animals. Movement restrictions remain in place on the farm. The risk of infection in close human contacts of the animal remains very low and we continue to work with PHE to monitor potential human contacts.”