Livestock producers who recently experienced flooding events need to be on the lookout for signs of blackleg and anthrax in their cattle.

“Incidences of both diseases can easily occur in periods of dry weather after floodwaters recede,” said Dr. Barry Whitworth, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension veterinarian and food animal quality and health specialist. “Floodwaters disturb the soil, which can expose the spores that trigger the diseases. The floodwaters then can carry the spores into areas where cattle graze.”

Whitworth added cattle producers who experience the sudden death of t...