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Edmon Low Library

Episode 47: Anthrax in Oklahoma

Amplified Oklahoma Show Notes

April 23, 2020

Beginning in mid-July 1957, an anthrax epidemic struck livestock herds and other farm animals in northeastern Oklahoma. It spread to seven counties in Oklahoma and even into Kansas, leaving over 1,000 animals dead and a couple humans infected. At the time, it was the largest anthrax outbreak in the United States in over twenty-five years, with more than 830 square miles quarantined. The scientists and veterinarians who were at the forefront of identifying, diagnosing, and then stopping the disease were largely from Oklahoma State University, with many of them recent graduates from the school's veterinary medicine program.

 

In this episode of Amplified Oklahoma, we’re exploring the 1957 anthrax outbreak in Oklahoma, which affected thousands of animals and even spread to humans in and around the state. We’ll hear interviews with OSU alumni and faculty as they discuss their involvement in researching and controlling the epidemic and get an insight into the early years of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

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Tanner Luther

Tanner Luther is a senior history and philosophy major from Edmond, Oklahoma. He is also minoring in political science and German and and serves as President for both German Club and History Club. After graduation, Tanner is looking for opportunities to teach and is considering applying to graduate school to study history. He hopes to continue sharing his love of history with others through the Amplified Oklahoma podcast.