An isolated case of anthrax disease in a cow was confirmed at a farm in Wiltshire in October 2015 following the death of the cow. Movement restrictions were imposed at the farm and the animal’s carcase was incinerated. No other animals have been affected.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said:

"An isolated case of anthrax disease in a cow has been confirmed at a farm in Wiltshire following the death of the cow.

"This case was rapidly detected and swift and robust action has been taken. The cow has been incinerated and movement restrictions are in place at the farm.

"No other animals are affected and the risk of infection in close human contacts of the animal is very low. There is no risk to the wider community.

Anthrax is a notifiable disease. That means if you suspect it you must tell the Animal and Plant and Health Agency (APHA) immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.

Anthrax bacteria predominantly affect grazing animals, but can pass to other mammals, including humans, and some birds. Anthrax also releases spores that are hard to destroy (these are able to survive harsh conditions, sometimes for tens of years) and can be transmitted through contact with an infected animal or consumption of infected meat.

The case in Westbury, Wilts was detected following the death of a cow at the end of last week. Though there has not been an outbreak of anthrax in the UK (where more than one farm was infected) for almost ten years, there was an isolated case reported in Wales last month.

More information, including details on how to spot anthrax in farm animals, is available from APHA here.