Cases of naturally-occurring anthrax in animals are reported every year in Canada including sporadic cases in Saskatchewan. Occasionally there are larger outbreaks, the last one occurring in Saskatchewan in 2006. In that year there were over 800 deaths, mostly in cattle and bison. These animal cases pose minimal risk to humans.

Anthrax spores can survive in the environment for long periods. The spores may be brought to the surface of the soil when environmental conditions favour exposure of buried spores. Periods of flooding can move spores up to the soil surface, and drying of wet areas will expose spores to grazing livestock. When animals graze on soil where spores are present, they can ingest the bacteria directly from the soil or from plants.

Most recently, an outbreak of anthrax has been reported in bison in southern Saskatchewan. This has been an isolated occurrence to date and there has been limited human contact.

The human health risk is low - it is limited to people in direct contact with sick animals or carcasses. Infection most commonly occurs when broken skin comes into direct contact with anthrax spores. The infection starts with a small bump on the skin that develops into a blister and then a skin ulcer with a black centre.

Individuals with such skin lesions should see a physician on an urgent basis.

For further information on the risk to animals' health and the extent of the 2010 animal outbreak in Saskatchewan, see Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.