This product has been shown to be effective for the vaccination of healthy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and horses against Anthrax.
This product was licensed prior to the requirement to establish a minimum age for use. The duration of immunity is unknown. For more information regarding efficacy and safety data, see productdata.aphis.usda.gov.
Anthrax Spore Vaccine is prepared from a non-pathogenic, nonencapsulated variant strain of B. anthracis. This vaccine strain is the Sterne Strain 34F2. The vaccine is a suspension of viable Bacillus anthracis spores in Saponin. It is tested for purity, identity, dissociation, spore count, and safety prior to release for sale.
Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis. It is highly virulent, and once access to the animal’s body is achieved, it multiplies quickly, invades the bloodstream and produces a rapidly fatal blood infection. Symptoms of anthrax vary according to the species of animal and the magnitude of the attack. The average period of incubation ranges from 24 hours to as much as 5 days or more. The acute form, most common in cattle, sheep and goats is characterized by its sudden onset and rapidly fatal course. Affected animals may present with sudden staggering, difficult respiration, trembling, collapse with convulsive movements and death, which may also occur without evidence of illness. Swelling sometimes appears in different parts of the body, such as the throat and tongue, particularly in affected swine. Upon or near death, blood may ooze from body openings.In the presence of oxygen, the bacilli form spores which are remarkably tenacious, highly resistant to heat, low temperatures and chemical disinfectants, retain viability for many years in both soil, water and on hides or contaminated objects held in storage. Animals of all species are susceptible to anthrax to some degree. Cattle, horses, sheep and goats are those most frequently affected. Swine apparently possess some natural resistance, but anthrax does occasionally appear in them. Dogs, cats and wild animals may become infected under some conditions. Mice and guinea pigs are highly susceptible.
For control of outbreaks, vaccination of all animals not showing symptoms is recommended. Not all animals will be protected by this procedure, but taking action as suggested may stop further spread of the disease. It is also recommended that animals showing symptoms be isolated and treated with antibiotics as permitted.