Anthrax

Abstract

Anthrax is a widely-distributed and usually fatal disease of cattle caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This organism readily produces highly resistant spores when it is exposed to air. In cattle, infection is usually by ingestion which may occur when contaminated feeding stuffs or drinking water are consumed or, under pastoral conditions, when cattle graze contaminated pastures. Infection usually gives rise to either rapid death (peracute anthrax) or, less commonly, a slightly more protracted syndrome characterized by extreme dullness, high fever, widespread hemorrhages, dysentery and usually death within 48 hours. Once soil is contaminated with spores it usually remains so for many years. Control methods should involve prompt diagnosis, prevention of contamination, preferably by the deep burial of unopened carcases and disinfection of the immediate environment. In countries where the disease is endemic or in non-endemic countries where anthrax is a persistent endemic problem, annual vaccination should be carried out. Anthrax is a zoonosis and the infection may be acquired by man from infected animals, animal products and contaminated laboratory equipment.