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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. The infected host sheds bacteria into the environment which sporulate when exposed 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. Additionally, 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.
Humans may be infected via contact with infected animal tissues, exposure to high concentrations of spores or contacted with infected animals. In general, carbivores 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, horses and pigs the onset is less acute.
Clinical signs
Ruminants and horses
In both cattle and horses, the disease course may range from peracute to chronic. Animals may be discovered dead in the field before any clinical signs have been observed.
- Fatal peracute septicaemia
- Sudden death
- Acute onset severe pyrexia
- Depression
- Neurological signs such as staggering or trembling
- Cessation of rumination
- Subcutaneous oedematous swellings
- Congested mucous membranes and petechiae
- Shivering and cramp-like clinical signs
Pigs
Pigs are relatively resistant to anthrax. The disease in pigs has two manifestations- the pharyngeal and intestinal forms. The pharyngeal disease is linked with scavenging or purposeful feeding of infected carcasses and often begins as an oedematous cellulitis of the the neck, head and regional lymph nodes. This may cause death by asphyxia. The intestinal form is thought to be associated with contaminated mineral supplements, and may produce less obvious clinical signs including diarrhoea, lethargy and anorexia. Animals affected by the intestinal form frequently recover.
Dogs
Dogs are rarely affected, but develop a similar disease to that found in pigs. Disease most often occurs due to scavenging of infected carcasses. Clinical signs include severe inflammation and oedema of the pharyngeal region and the disease is usually not fatal.
Diagnosis
In most affected animals (pigs being an exception), large numbers of B. anthracis are found in the blood. A sample may be collected from an incision made in a well vascularised area such as the ear. In pigs, a small piece of lymphatic tissue should be collected aseptically and submitted. Diagnostic tests include bacterial culture, PCR and fluorescent antibody stains for demonstration of the bacillus in blood or tissue.