For Immediate Release
August 13, 2026
AUSTIN, TX – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials received confirmation of anthrax in a Spanish goat on an Edwards County premises on August 12, 2026. This is the first confirmed case in Edwards County and second reported case of anthrax in Texas this year.
The premises is located in the north west corner of Edwards County south of Sonora, Texas and has been quarantined. TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas. Anthrax cases in Texas are most often found in a triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona, and Eagle Pass. This case falls within this triangle.
“With the weather we’ve experienced in Texas this year, in areas where anthrax has historically been found, we encourage monitoring and vaccinating susceptible animals,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC state veterinarian and executive director. “This case is a great reminder that the disease has historically been found in Texas soil. A veterinarian-client relationship can help advise on prevention for animals prior to exposure.”
An increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions is common. In these conditions, animals ingest the odorless, colorless, and tasteless anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay or by inhaling the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.
After exposure to anthrax, it typically takes three to seven days for animals to show clinical signs. Once symptoms begin, death usually occurs within 48 hours. Acute fever followed by rapid death with bloody discharge from body openings are signs of anthrax in livestock. If a noticeable amount of deer or exotic wildlife are found dead, and carcasses show bleeding characteristic of anthrax, remove livestock from access to carcasses immediately.
Owners of livestock and animals displaying clinical signs consistent with anthrax or experiencing death of animals should contact a private veterinarian or the TAHC immediately. Producers are encouraged to follow sanitation precautions when handling affected livestock or carcasses, such as wearing protective gloves and long sleeve shirts, and washing thoroughly after contact to prevent accidental spread of the bacteria to humans. For more information on how anthrax affects humans, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services anthrax resources.
For more information about anthrax, visit:
TAHC anthrax factsheet: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCFactsheet_Anthrax.pdf
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension anthrax publication: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/assetexternal/anthrax-conditions-symptoms-and-advice-for-landowners/
Contact your local TAHC region office: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/agency/contact.html
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The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) was established in 1893 as the Livestock Sanitary Commission and charged with protecting the state’s domestic animals “from all contagious or infectious diseases of a malignant character.” TAHC remains true to this charge while evolving with the times to protect the health and marketability of all Texas livestock and poultry. Learn more about the TAHC by visiting www.tahc.texas.gov.