Anthrax

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is primarily a disease of cloven-footed animals. The disease is often fatal to animals and man.

This bacteria produces spores or “seeds” that remain infectious for years in the soil under the right conditions. It kills cattle very rapidly – the first sign of the disease being death.

It is sometimes confused with lightening strike or snake bite. Prior to death the cows are weak and have difficulty breathing. Their blood may refuse to clot. In humans the lung or pulmonic form of the disease is the most fatal.

It is spread through contact with the carcasses of infected animals. It can also occur on the hands and arms as small pus-filled lesions called carbuncles. If caught early the disease is curable with penicillin or tetracycline.