Understanding Anthrax: What You Need to Know
Anthrax might sound like something from a science fiction movie, but it's a real disease that still affects animals — and sometimes people — around the world.
Anthrax is a disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. This bacteria forms spores — tiny, tough cells that can survive in the environment for decades, especially in soil. When animals or people come into contact with these spores, they can get sick.
The name “anthrax” comes from the Greek word for coal, because the infection can cause black sores on the skin.
Who Does It Affect?
Anthrax mostly affects herbivores like cows, sheep, and goats. But it can also infect most mammals, some birds, and even humans. It's found on every continent except Antarctica.
People usually get anthrax by handling infected animals or animal products, such as wool, hides, or meat. Farmers, veterinarians, and butchers are most at risk.
How Is It Spread?
The bacteria itself isn’t spread directly from animal to animal or person to person. Instead, the spores live in soil or on animal products and get into the body through:
Cuts or scrapes on the skin (most common)
Eating contaminated meat
Inhaling spores from wool, hair, or hides (this is rare but very serious)
Once inside the body, the spores “wake up” and start causing infection.
What Are the Symptoms?
In Animals:
Animals often die suddenly with little or no warning. Sometimes there’s fever, weakness, or bleeding from body openings. The disease can move very fast — especially in ruminants like cattle and sheep.
In Humans:
Anthrax appears in three forms:
Cutaneous (skin) – causes sores with a black center. Most common and easiest to treat.
Gastrointestinal (stomach) – from eating contaminated meat. Can cause nausea, pain, and fever.
Inhalation (lungs) – from breathing in spores. Rare but often deadly if not treated quickly.
Can Anthrax Be Prevented or Treated?
Yes — anthrax is both preventable and treatable.
Vaccines are available for animals and people at high risk.
Antibiotics can treat anthrax if given early.
Proper disposal of dead animals is crucial. Carcasses shouldn’t be opened (to avoid releasing spores). They should be burned or buried deep with quicklime.
Cleaning and disinfection of contaminated areas helps stop the spread.
Why Is It Still a Problem?
The tricky part is that anthrax spores can survive in soil for decades. Heavy rains or digging can bring old spores back to the surface, where animals can eat them by accident. That’s why outbreaks can happen even in places where the disease hasn’t been seen in years.
Also, because outbreaks are rare in some places, people sometimes skip vaccinations — which can be a dangerous mistake.
Final Thoughts
Anthrax is a serious disease, but it's also preventable with the right care and awareness. By protecting animals, properly handling outbreaks, and following good hygiene, we can also protect ourselves.