My daughter and her family are living on a ranch west of San Antonio about an hour from Kerrville. Short version of the story. A soil sample was tested and there was a bacteria related to anthrax and it presents like food poisoning. That is what my daughter was told. My son in law has had stomach issues on several occasions now. Just curious if any of you have any idea about what this could be and what kind of risk there might be. I have a 2 year old granddaughter out there and my daughter is pregnant.

Anyone with thoughts or suggestions? Should we be concerned?

Anthrax counties

I'm guessing it is Bacillus cereus which is similar to the bacteria Bacillus anthracis which causes anthrax. It's been a while since my microbiology classes but B. Cereus is commonly in the soil. It creates spores or toxins that can cause foodborne illnesses from undercooked food. I would guess it's possible that if your family members are working outside in the soil then handling food they could be ingesting the spores or endotoxins which then lead to a food poisoning like illness.

As the map shows, there are places very near your described area where anthrax is endemic in the soil.

I lived in Utopia for 10 years and witnessed deer deaths from anthrax at least three of those years.

Here is a publication that should answer most of your questions:

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/anthrax-conditions-symptoms-and-advice-for-landowners/01t4x000004OUfMAAW

Your extension agent/local vet may be able to get more answers if needed.

Wash hands before eating! Especially if you've been playing in the dirt soil or with animals.(Thanks for the reminder Dr, Milford)

ETA: Anthrax typically shows up after a rainy period followed by an extended dry period, usually in the fall.

This matches up with the July 4th floods and the lack of rain since. The bacteria grow during the wet event, then go dormant and produce reproductive spores during the dry time. It's these spores that are released into the soil and air that cause problems with humans, grazing animals and animals that live in the ground. Anthrax spores can become airborn rather easily, but don't typically spread too far.

Dirt is a four letter word. - Dr. Milford

As a former TA and lab worker for Dr. Milford, I am proud of what I'm seeing here.

So you know a thing about slickenend sides, and never getting in a ditch that is deeper than your chest?

Thanks Ags! I really appreciate the info.

B-1 83 said:

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As a former TA and lab worker for Dr. Milford, I am proud of what I'm seeing here.

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And the proper definition of soil is not "good rock gone bad"...

B-1 83 said:

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As a former TA and lab worker for Dr. Milford, I am proud of what I'm seeing here.

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Amazing the influence he had and still has throughout Texas

DargelSkout said:

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So you know a thing about slickenend sides, and never getting in a ditch that is deeper than your chest?

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Between Dr. Milford, Mr. Mills, and Dr. Hallmark (my soils team coach), I can assure you I do!

That sounds like a good question for Dr. Zuberer. He is still listed on A&M website with a contact email as professor emeritus.

https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/zuberer-david/

Looks like Gentry replaced him.
https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/gentry-terry-j/

JeremiahJohnson said:

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That sounds like a good question for Dr. Zuberer. He is still listed on A&M website with a contact email as professor emeritus.

https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/zuberer-david/

Looks like Gentry replaced him.
https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/gentry-terry-j/

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Zube was my favorite professor of all time.
He's the reason I nearly went to grad school to study soil micro. Life took me in another direction….
If you're out there Zube….inoculate.

Hank the Grifter said:

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JeremiahJohnson said:

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That sounds like a good question for Dr. Zuberer. He is still listed on A&M website with a contact email as professor emeritus.

https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/zuberer-david/

Looks like Gentry replaced him.
https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/gentry-terry-j/

---

Zube was my favorite professor of all time.
He's the reason I nearly went to grad school to study soil micro. Life took me in another direction….
If you're out there Zube….inoculate.

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I ran into him at an agronomy convention in New Orleans many years ago. I'll never forget him saying "B-1, if I gave my students today the tests I gave you guys, I'd flunk every one of them ."

Hank the Grifter said:

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JeremiahJohnson said:

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That sounds like a good question for Dr. Zuberer. He is still listed on A&M website with a contact email as professor emeritus.

https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/zuberer-david/

Looks like Gentry replaced him.
https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/gentry-terry-j/

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Zube was my favorite professor of all time.
He's the reason I nearly went to grad school to study soil micro. Life took me in another direction….
If you're out there Zube….inoculate.

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100% agree. My favorite as well. Ended up with a minor in Soil Micro.

I had Gentry for my soil microbiology class. He is a good professor, and has even been interviewed on an episode of Modern Marvels. Which for a kid who grew up watching Modern Marvels was pretty cool.