Abstract: Xanthan molecules are degraded using an xanthanase enzyme complex that is stable at temperatures above 250.degree. F., such as those temperatures found in some wellbores and process streams. The xanthanase enzyme complex is produced by a novel soil bacterium. The xanthanase enzyme complex may be used to remove xanthan based formation damage, such as drilling filter-cakes and filtrates, or to remove xanthan based filter-cakes and/or residues present in processing equipment. The xanthanase enzyme complex may also be used to reduce the viscosity of xanthan-containing fluids, such as hydraulic fracturing fluids, blocking gels, drilling muds, and process fluids. The xanthanase enzyme complex may also be used in conjunction with other well or process treatments, such as stimulations and cementing operations, to improve the effectiveness of these treatments.