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No, I know its not contagious. I also know its rare. There doesn't seem to be a logical reason for someone to come down with it in Palm Beach (no cattle or sheep). I'm not so worried about coming down with is as in determining how htis guy came down with it.

It does seem a little odd, but maybe we're just more sensitive to this kind of news than we otherwise would be. It's rare to be sure, but I'll bet there are a handful of cases every year in this country. I know the CDC makes vaccine available to vets that work with sheep and cattle - so there must be some risk.

-bc

There's cattle all over Florida, it's a big industry. We have mostly Brahman types and some Florida heat-enduring breeds- ugliest cattle in the world. Down the road from me are American bison, antelope of various species, wild hogs, and Watusi cattle... now those are sharp looking animals. There are also many exotic game farms and private exotic livestock that can also carry the disease. These farms are found just about anywhere in Florida, and the climate for animal-related diseases is perfect, warm and humid, so it would be no surprise. Talk to a vet... they have to get immunized for all kinds of things.