Anthrax has caused the deaths of multiple cattle on a property in northern Victoria.

A property northeast of Shepparton was quarantined late last week and the remaining cattle have undergone vaccinations against the disease.

“Outbreaks of anthrax have previously been confirmed in this area and sporadic cases are not unusual in northern Victoria,” an Agriculture Victoria spokesman said in a statement.

“This incident again highlights the importance of early reporting and the need to consider anthrax as a differential diagnosis whenever unexplained sudden death occurs in sheep, cattle or other susceptible species in Victoria.”

The cases have so far been limited to one property.

Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterial disease that produce toxins causing fever, lack of appetite, lethargy or sudden death in animals.

It can affect humans in rare cases.

The bacterium, bacillus anthracis, is naturally occurring and is known to linger for long periods in soils in northern and northeast Victoria.

The disease usually appears in the warmer months but outbreaks can occur at any time of year, and in places it hasn’t been detected for years.

Farmers who note any sudden livestock deaths have been warned not to move the carcasses and report to local Agriculture Victoria staff or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

– AAP