What is anthrax?

Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The bacterium multiplies in the blood and tissues of susceptible animals causing disease and death. Historically, anthrax was identified in Homer’s Iliad. Robert Koch developed his postulates correlating disease to specific infectious agents using anthrax organisms. Louis Pasteur developed the first successful vaccine in 1881 using the anthrax bacterium.

What are anthrax spores?

When the anthrax bacteria are exposed to air or starved, spores are formed. Like seeds, these spores are very stable in the environment and soil, capable of surviving for many years. When conditions are right the spores can activate the bacteria.

Where does anthrax occur?

In the United States, naturally occurring cases of anthrax have been reported in livestock from areas of the upper Midwest, Texas Gulf Coast, Mississippi River Delta and Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California. No recorded case of anthrax has been documented in South Carolina. Anthrax is not considered endemic in South Carolina.

How dangerous is anthrax?

If untreated, all forms of anthrax can lead to death. Anthrax causes three types of disease in humans: cutaneous anthrax is the most common form; other are the gastrointestinal and inhalation forms. Early treatment of the cutaneous (skin) form usually can be cured. If untreated, about 20 percent of the skin form results in death. The gastrointestinal form is acquired from ingestion of undercooked infected meat, and the fatality rate is reported to range from 25 percent to 75 percent. The inhalation form, acquired by inhaling large numbers of spores, (3,000 to 50,000 spores), is the most serious, with fatality rates above 90 percent.

How is anthrax diagnosed?

Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating the bacterium from the blood, skin lesions or respiratory secretions from patients, or by measuring specific antibodies in the serum. Antibiotic sensitivity panels assist physicians and veterinarians in the selection of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Is Cipro, made by Bayer, the only antibiotic to treat anthrax?

“Cipro” is one of many antibiotics that are effective in eliminating infections of the anthrax bacterium.

What animals are susceptible to anthrax?

Animal such as cattle, sheep and goats demonstrate the highest susceptibility to anthrax. Horses, swine, as well as humans, dogs, and cats are less susceptible. Wildlife species that are herbivorous, such as deer and bison, are also susceptible. Anthrax is not a significant disease of livestock or pets in the United States, as only a few cases are reported annually. Any questions regarding samples or suspicious materials should be directed to local law enforcement or public health officials.

Can what are the chances of animal passing on the disease to humans?

The probability of contacting anthrax by casual contact with animals is very low. Proper hygiene after contact further reduces this minimal risk. Inspection of animals prior to slaughter eliminates the possibility of infected animals entering the food supply. Non-inspected animals from areas where anthrax is endemic could pose a risk for infection.

What is the most likely way for humans to be exposed to anthrax?

The only credible risk of exposure to anthrax is through intentional contamination of the environment with spores, specifically, through mail and packages. Proper handling of mail, including wearing gloves and a mask, and utilizing good hygiene, will significantly reduce the risk of exposure. Follow the US Postal Service and FBI guidelines that have been issued regarding identification of suspicious mail and packages, and proper procedures for isolation of the material and notification of proper law enforcement agencies.

What should animal handlers know about anthrax?

The following information on “Specific Information for Identifying Animals that may be Infected, Handling Animals and Shipping Samples to Laboratories” has been provided by the state veterinarian’s office.

Clinical signs may be completely absent in very susceptible animals; therefore, the animals are simply found dead. Astute herdsmen may notice excessive salivation, depression or elevated body temperature in the animals in the hours immediately before death. After death, bloody discharges from the body orifices (mouth, nose, anus) may be noticed. In less susceptible animals, such as swine, dogs, and cats, enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes may be observed.

Some animals will have clinical signs of digestive tract disease such as vomiting and diarrhea. Many of these animals will recover from the disease.

In South Carolina, state livestock authorities should be notified in the event of any unusual deaths in a herd, especially if more than one animal is involved. State Veterinarian’s Office: 803-788-2260. The herd veterinarian should be immediately notified if deaths are observed as described above. Animals should be observed closely and any individuals demonstrating clinical signs should be isolated.
Always use good hygiene and safety precautions when handling animals. Personal protective equipment should include impermeable gloves, boots and clothing. HEPA filtered masks are effective in reducing inhalation risk. Common dust masks are not effective.

Carcasses should not under any circumstances be opened on the farm if anthrax is suspected. This will only further contaminate the environment with spore-forming bacteria.

After veterinarians have collected appropriate samples, carcasses should be burned. A 5 percent lye solution can be used to decontaminate paddocks and housing. Common household bleach diluted 1to 10 with water is effective in routine decontamination of surfaces and equipment and can be immersed and soaked.

Appropriate samples for diagnostic evaluation from carcasses suspected of anthrax include blood (jugular vein collection) in purple and red cap tubes. Nasal/pharyngeal swabs submitted in Amies transport media may be useful in diagnosis of disease of dogs and cats, Evaluation of blood smears and bacterial cultures are necessary to try to identify and isolate the bacterium.

For shipping suspected samples (any samples for that matter), place samples in a leak-proof containers, which is non-permeable to the contents. (Vacutainer tubes are acceptable if properly cushioned). Surround the container with sufficient absorbent material to soak up contents in the event of a leakage. Package the container and absorbent material in a sealed container or double plastic bags. Use only re-freezable ice packs, not ice, to keep material cool during shipment. Do not place ice packs in direct contact with specimens. Submission forms should be sealed in a plastic bag. Place all of the above items in a crush-proof shipping container. Heavy Styrofoam-lined boxes or small plastic coolers are acceptable. Seal container with tape, and address properly. Specimens should be shipped UPS or FedEx overnight to the appropriate diagnostic facility if they cannot be delivered directly to the facility.

More detailed shipping information and regulations can be obtained from the CDC at the following address: CDC, ATTN: Biohazards Control Office, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30333, or call (404) 329-3883.