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===Description===
===Description===
Anthrax is a serious, often fatal zoonotic disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the spore-forming bacterium [[Bacillus anthracis]]. The disease occurs worldwide and often in outbreaks. 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 occurs worldwide and often in outbreaks.
''B. anthracis'' spores are highly resistant and can survive in the environment for many years. During this time, spores may be ingested by grazing animals but do not generally present a threat to humans. Animals may become infected if they ingested large quantities of spores.
Humans may be infected via contact with infected animal tissues, exposure to high concentrations of spores or contacted with infected animals.
In herbivores, the disease commonly presents as a peracute onset septicaemia with a high mortality rate. In dogs, humans, horses and pigs the onset is less acute.
There are three main forms of the disease; gastrointestinal, pulmonary or cutaneous.
There are three main forms of the disease; gastrointestinal, pulmonary or cutaneous.