Anthrax

The disease is present in most parts of the world, but the frequency of outbreaks varies. Anthrax spores may remain dormant in the soil for long periods and resurface when the soil is disturbed, such as by flooding, torrential rains or landslides. The disease typically reappears when the spores are then ingested by grazing ruminants.

Anthrax usually does not typically spread from animal to animal or human to human. When anthrax spores are ingested, inhaled or enter the body through skin abrasions or cuts, they can germinate, multiply and produce toxin. Insects can transmit the bacterium between animals. Animal feed can be contaminated by anthrax if it contains bone meal of infected animals. Humans can get infected if they handle or are involved in the slaughter of a sick animal, or are in contact with contaminated animal products (such as meat, blood, wool, hides, bones). Anthrax can also be contracted in laboratory accidents. Furthermore, anthrax can be contracted by heroin-injecting drug-users through injection of contaminated heroin. Moreover, Bacillus anthracis has always been high on the list of potential agents with respect to biological warfare and bioterrorism.

Cutaneous, or skin, anthrax is the most common form. It is usually contracted when a person with a break in their skin, such as a cut or abrasion, comes into direct contact with anthrax spores. The resulting itchy bump rapidly develops into a black sore. Some people then develop headaches, muscle aches, fever and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal anthrax is caught from eating meat from an infected animal. It causes initial symptoms similar to food poisoning, but these can worsen to produce severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhoea.

The most severe, and rarest, form of human anthrax is called inhalation or pulmonary anthrax. This form of the disease is caused when a person is directly exposed to a large number of anthrax spores suspended in the air, and breathes them in. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, but this can rapidly progress to severe breathing difficulties and shock.

In the case of cutaneous anthrax, there is a small risk of direct infection from the lesions on another person's body. Inhalation anthrax cannot be transmitted from person to person: it can only be contracted by directly inhaling anthrax spores.

Hospitalization is required for all human cases of anthrax. Individuals potentially exposed to anthrax spores may be provided with prophylactic treatment. Anthrax responds well to antibiotics, which need to be prescribed by a medical professional. Always follow medical advice on how to take the antibiotics. Precisely follow the instructions and do not shorten the course of treatment. Should any side effects of the treatment be noted, please consult a physician at once. Nobody should attempt to use antibiotics or any other drugs to treat or protect themselves without first getting medical advice.

Anthrax vaccines for livestock and humans exist. Veterinary vaccines are used for control of anthrax in livestock. Human vaccines are in limited supply and used primarily for protection of selected individuals with possible occupational exposure to anthrax.

Preventing the disease in animals will protect human health. Breaking the cycle of infection is the basis for control of anthrax in livestock. If a potential infectious source is known to exist, this should be eliminated without delay.  

Any animal that is sick, behaves strangely or has died suddenly should not be used for food or for making any product, as it may have succumbed to an infectious disease. Make sure to follow national rules on veterinary inspection prior to slaughter as these measures ensure food safety as well as safety of persons involved in the slaughter.

All parts of an animal that has died of anthrax should be safely disposed of.