John H. Kirk, DVM, MPVM

Extension Veterinarian, University of California Davis

With the recent Anthrax exposures in New York, Florida and Nevada, there is renewed interest in a very old disease. Here are some key points:

The bacteria exist in two forms:

• Spores form—may lay dormant in soil for years. When eaten or inhaled or enter the body through a skin wound, they revert to the infectious form and may cause disease
• Vegetative form—grows and reproduces within the host causing sickness; destroyed within an unopened carcass; revert to spores when carcass is exposed to air

High-risk situations:

• Locations where anthrax cases have previously occurred
• Recently disturbed or excavated ground, especially when cases previously occurred
• Grazing lush pasture growth following rain after droughty conditions
• Drinking from low–water level ponds during drought seasons

Signs of disease:

• Sudden death within a few hours after exposure
• Fever, off feed, excitement followed by depression
• Difficult breathing, uncoordinated movements
• Convulsions and death within a few hours after onset of disease

Signs in dead animals:

• Bloody discharges from all body openings; blood fails to clot
• Rapid decomposition; excessive edema; and slow rigor mortis
• Blood found in internal organs; greatly enlarged spleen

Precautions when handling a suspected anthrax case:

• Call your veterinarian for assistance to get a rapid diagnosis
• Do not open the carcass for a routine examination
• Thoroughly wash and disinfect hands and footwear
• Put clothing in plastic bag and wash or discard
• Contact local authorities or California Department of Food and Agriculture for advise on carcass disposal and site decontamination