A bacterial disease (Bacillus anthracis) of grazing livestock, especially cattle, sheep and goats, whose spores can persist in soil for decades and that typically kills an infected animal within hours to days of the first signs of illness. Outbreaks tend to recur at the same spore-contaminated "anthrax fields" after heavy rain or soil disturbance exposes old ground, and routine livestock vaccination in endemic regions, together with strict disposal of carcasses without opening them, remains the primary control, since the disease is also a serious zoonotic threat to anyone handling an infected carcass or hide.
Facts
Connections
Associated With
Cattle, Livestock Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) causes acute, often fatal outbreaks in grazing cattle.
Sources
1. Anthrax (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationOpening definition paragraph
Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis or Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis. Infection typically occurs by contact with the skin, inhalation, or intestinal absorption. Symptom onset occurs between one day and two months after the infection is contracted. The skin form presents with a small blister with surrounding swelling that often turns into a painless ulcer with a black center. The inhalation form presents with fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
lead description
A bacterial disease (Bacillus anthracis) of grazing livestock, especially cattle, sheep and goats, whose spores can persist in soil for decades and that typically kills an infected animal within hours to days of the first signs of illness.
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.