Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can infect all warm blooded animals including man. Anthrax is primarily an occupational disease.It is occasionally identified in individuals who are exposed to dead animals and animal products such as wool or hair.
The anthrax bacteria can live in the soil for many years. Man may become infected with anthrax by inhaling contaminated soil particles or by handling wool or hair from diseased animals. infection of the intestinal tract can occur by eating undercooked meat from diseased animals.
Symptoms:The symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure.With skin exposure,a boil-like lesion appears which eventually forms a black center.A swelling lymph gland under the arm may occur.With respiratory exposure, symptoms may resemble the common cold and may progress to severe breathing problems and even death.The symptoms will usually appear within 7 days.
Treatment:Penicillin and tetracycline are found to be the most succesful