Alva Review-Courier -

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota has its first confirmed case of livestock anthrax this year.

State Veterinarian Susan Keller says the case in a Sioux County cattle herd was confirmed Thursday.

Anthrax bacteria spores lie dormant in the soil and become active under extreme weather conditions such as drought or flooding. Much of North Dakota has experienced drought this summer.

A few anthrax cases are reported in North Dakota almost every year. They've been most frequently reported in the northeast, southeast and south central parts of the state.

Keller says ranchers should take action to pro...