Anthrax outbreak reported in sheep on Texas farm during winter months

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CDC MMWR Published April 4, 2026 Medically reviewed April 20, 2026 By Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

Key Takeaway

Note that anthrax outbreaks can occur in livestock during atypical seasons like winter.

A field report documents an anthrax outbreak occurring in sheep on a farm in Texas. The report notes the outbreak happened during winter months, which is outside the typical warm-season pattern for anthrax in livestock. No specific intervention, exposure details, comparator, or sample size were reported.

The main finding was simply that an anthrax outbreak occurred. No quantitative data on outbreak size, mortality rates, or effect measures were provided. Safety and tolerability information for the animals was not reported.

This report has significant limitations as a single case description without statistical analysis. The findings cannot be generalized beyond this specific farm context. No information about funding or conflicts of interest was provided.

For veterinary and public health practitioners, this report serves as a reminder that anthrax can occur outside typical seasonal patterns. However, the lack of detailed epidemiological data limits any specific practice recommendations beyond maintaining vigilance for atypical presentations.