PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota State Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven  is urging ranchers to take steps to protect their cattle after a case of anthrax was confirmed in a calf in Turner County.

It is the state's first confirmed case of the livestock disease this year.

Anthrax bacteria spores lie dormant in the ground and can become active under extreme weather conditions such as flooding and drought. Oedekoven says much of South Dakota has the potential for an outbreak, and outbreaks can kill a large number of animals in a short time.

Cattle can be vaccinated against the disease.

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