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Anthrax
What
is anthrax?
Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus
anthracis, that can live but remain dormant for years in soil, water
or animal matter. It can be transmitted to any warm-blooded
animal and can infect humans. The
bacteria can "bloom" and contaminate surface soil and
grass after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by several weeks
of hot, dry conditions.
Transmission
of anthrax:
Anthrax
is spread when the animal eats or inhales bacterial spores found
in the contaminated grass or soil. It is extremely resistant
to temperature, sunlight, drying and chemical agents.
Symptoms
of anthrax:
Symptoms
usually appear 3 to 7 days after an animal is infected. In
deer the disease is usually extremely sudden and severe. The symptoms
may include staggering, trembling, respiratory distress, convulsions,
or bleeding from body openings. Pregnant animals may abort
and the animal is usually dead within 24 hours.
The carcass of an animal killed by anthrax usually has blood oozing
from the mouth, nose and anus. The body will be bloated
and decompose rapidly. DO NOT CUT A SUSPECTED ANTHRAX
CARCASS! The carcass should be burned completely.
Where
is anthrax found?
Anthrax
is a very old disease and is found worldwide
Treatment
of anthrax:
If the disease
is caught in time, anthrax can be treated with antibiotics. There
is also a vaccine available for anthrax.
Significance
of anthrax:
It is difficult to for humans to get anthrax from animals
in the wild. However, humans can get anthrax through contact with
infected animals. The bacteria can enter through cuts or scratches
in your skin or through your eyes, nose or mouth. You can also get
anthrax by inhaling spores from contaminated objects or by eating
undercooked meat from an infected animal.
The
people most in danger of catching the disease, hunters and ranchers,
can avoid it by using common sense: Stay away from dead animals.
Do not shoot a deer that looks ill. When cleaning an animal, wear
disposable gloves. Wash and cook the meat thoroughly.
Anthrax has great economic importance to the livestock industry.
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to Deer and Disease article]
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