A family in Minnesota slaughtered a steer that was unable to rise in August. A local veterinarian approved the families request to consume the meat. They had it processed at a custom butcher's shop. Shortly after eating meat from the steer, family members reported gastrointestinal illness. An investigation by Minnesota Department of Health officials found Bacillus anthracis in the remaining steer meat, however it remained it was never confirmed in the people who became ill. Bacillus anthracis is the cause of anthrax, a zoonotic disease.