First case of anthrax since 2006 found in cow on Wiltshire farm

Anthrax has been found in a cow in Wiltshire, Public Health England has said, the first case in any animal since 2006.

Wiltshire Council confirmed the "isolated" case at a farm in the Westbury area of Wiltshire following the death of a cow at the end of last week.

Public Health England said movement restrictions were imposed at the farm and animal’s carcass was burnt. No other animals have been affected, PHE added.

PHE said: “The risk of infection in close human contacts of the animal is very low.”

This case was "rapidly detected", the animal has been incinerated and movement restrictions are in place at the farm in Westbury.

Defra has warned farmers to look out for signs of infection which can also kill pigs, horses and sheep.

A spokesperson said: "Cattle and sheep can die quickly from anthrax, but their carcasses may show no obvious signs of the disease.

"But the length of the illness varies and some animals may have signs of illness for several days before death."

Anthrax is a bacterial disease which primarily affects grazing animals, although all mammals are susceptible.

There was an isolated case at a farm in Wales last month, and it is not clear if the two cases are linked.