Anthrax: A Re-Emerging Livestock Disease
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Anthrax is a contagious and highly fatal zoonotic bacterial disease affecting primarily herbivores. Mortality can be
very high, especially in herbivores. The disease has world-wide distribution and is a zoonosis. The etiological agent is the
endospore-forming, Gram-positive, nonmotile, rod-shaped Bacillus anthracis. Central to the persistence of anthrax in an area is
the ability of B. anthracis to form long-lasting, highly resistant spores. Understanding the ecology of anthrax spores is essential if
one hopes to control epidemics. Studies on the ecology of anthrax spores have found a correlation between the disease and
specific soil factors, such as alkaline pH, high moisture, and high organic content. The repeated anthrax outbreak in livestock and
subsequent infection to human has been considered as a nationwide alarming issue. Outbreaks of anthrax have diverse
consequences on society. Establishing the appropriate control strategies is very important and crucial in reducing the
socio-economic impact of the disease. Control measures are aimed at breaking the cycle of infection, and their implementation
must be adhered to rigorously. It can be used as a biological weapon and has been classified as a Category ‘A’ bio threat by
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This review describes this important disease covering its etiology,
epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and prevention and control strategies to be adopted to combat
this globally important pathogen.
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Keywords
Veterinary Science, Veterinary Microbiology