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Anthrax is a serious, often fatal zoonotic disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the spore-forming bacterium ''[[Bacillus anthracis]]''. The disease has been reported worldwide (particularly in the tropical countries) and often occurs in outbreaks. The disease primarily affects herbivores but humans may be infected via contact with infected animal tissues, exposure to high concentrations of spores or contacted with infected animals.

Anthrax is a serious, often fatal zoonotic disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the spore-forming bacterium ''[[Bacillus anthracis]]''. The disease has been reported worldwide (particularly in the tropical countries) and often occurs in outbreaks. The disease primarily affects herbivores but humans may be infected via contact with infected animal tissues, exposure to high concentrations of spores or contacted with infected animals.

===Pathogenesis===

==Pathogenesis==

The infected host sheds ''B. anthracis'' bacilli into the environment which sporulate on exposure to air. These spores are highly resistant and can survive in the environment for many years.  Grazing animals may become infected if ingestion of a large number of spores occurs. Following inhalation, germination and localised multiplication of the spores takes place. Spread via the lymphatics and blood stream then occurs, leading to massive septicaemia. In addition to the above routes of infection, biting flies appear to have a role in transmission of spores in areas of endemic disease. Inhalation of dust-borne spores may also be of importance in the pathogenesis of the disease.

The infected host sheds ''B. anthracis'' bacilli into the environment which sporulate on exposure to air. These spores are highly resistant and can survive in the environment for many years.  Grazing animals may become infected if ingestion of a large number of spores occurs. Following inhalation, germination and localised multiplication of the spores takes place. Spread via the lymphatics and blood stream then occurs, leading to massive septicaemia. In addition to the above routes of infection, [[:Category:Biting Flies|biting flies]] appear to have a role in transmission of spores in areas of endemic disease. Inhalation of dust-borne spores may also be of importance in the pathogenesis of the disease.

In general, carnivores are more resistant to disease than herbivores. In herbivores the disease commonly presents as a peracute onset septicaemia with a high mortality rate. In dogs, humans and pigs however, the onset is less acute.  

In general, carnivores are more resistant to disease than herbivores. In herbivores the disease commonly presents as a peracute onset septicaemia with a high mortality rate. In dogs, humans and pigs however, the onset is less acute.

===Clinical signs===

===Clinical signs===