Distinct Ecologically Relevant Strains of Anaplasma phagocytophilum

of anthrax (7,8). Alternatively, lowgrade sporadic infection may have been ongoing since the 1940s and infrequent stock mortality may not have been investigated for anthrax because of a low local index of suspicion, resulting in environmental contamination The extreme weather conditions in the area may have unearthed spores from undiagnosed carcasses, providing simultaneous exposures on multiple properties. We are currently unable to resolve this epidemiologic conundrum. However, our experience is a timely reminder that veterinary public health authorities should be on high alert for possible anthrax when unexpected livestock deaths follow fl ooding in areas where anthrax has historically occurred.