About anthrax

Anthrax is a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild animals that can also affect humans.

About anthrax
- Advertisement -

Anthrax is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It is not spread directly from one infected animal or person to another, but by spores. The carcass of an infected animal can be a source of these spores, especially if it is cut open. The spores themselves are very durable and can survive in the soil for many years. Anthrax can be present in bloody discharge from the nostrils, mouth and anus, as well as skin, bone and other tissue.

Humans handling these can be infected and spread the disease. It can also be spread by scavengers, vultures and even flies.
Runoff water can disperse the spores to pans or dams and create concentrated sources of infection in other areas. Livestock usually pick up anthrax by drinking contaminated water, grazing on contaminated pastures or licking contaminated skins, bones, blood or carcasses.

Symptoms

- Advertisement -
  • Sudden death. Animals may die within two hours without showing any signs of illness.
  • Fever and difficulty breathing.
  • Muscle tremors and redness of the mucous membranes.
  • Blood-stained discharge from the nostrils, mouth and anus.
  • Advanced cases may have a swelling of the throat and neck that could lead to difficulty in swallowing.

Diagnosis
Anthrax is diagnosed by microscopic examination of a blood smear. Your vet or animal health technician will be able to carry this out. Warning: never cut open the carcass or eat the meat of an animal that has died suddenly. Eating infected meat is one way in which humans can contract anthrax. Although people normally contract a different form of the disease – on the skin – anthrax can be fatal.

Antibiotics in certain cases
Unfortunately, animals often die before the disease can be diagnosed. However, humans and resistant animals, such
as pigs, dogs and horses, can be treated with antibiotics. If you think that you may have been infected, don’t wait – seek proper medical attention immediately.

Control
Vaccinate all livestock annually against anthrax. If an animal has died and you suspect anthrax, do not cut open the carcass. Instead, bury it at least 2m deep and treat the soil with plenty of chloride of lime. You can also burn the carcasses.
In either case, always wear protective clothing.

Report suspected cases immediately to the nearest animal health technician or state vet. They may prescribe methods to disinfect the premises, transport vehicles and other items.

Source: The department of agriculture’s Directorate Communication Services in co-operation with the Directorate of Animal Health.