Anthrax is a peracute disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. It affects cattle, sheep, and other animals. The bacteria forms spores that can survive in the environment for many years. Animals become infected by ingesting the spores from contaminated food or water or through wounds. Anthrax causes sudden death with bleeding from body openings in the peracute form. The acute form causes high fever, respiratory distress, and bloody diarrhea over 2 days before death. The disease is diagnosed by identifying the bacteria in blood smears or tissues of dead animals. Control relies on prompt disposal of carcasses, disinfection, quarantine of exposed animals, and vaccination.

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ANTHRAX
(CHARBON)
ANTHRAX
Def.:
• Anthrax is a peracute notifiable disease.
Characterized by
1. Septicaemia and sudden death.
2. Exudation of tarry blood from the body orifices of the cadaver.
3. Failure of the blood to clot.
4. Absence of rigor mortis.
5. Rapid putrifaction of the carcasses.
Dr. Soliman Mohammed Soliman
Lecturer Of Infectious Diseases

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ANTHRAX
Etiology:
• Bacillus Anthracis, which is long square ended rods.
• The organisms forms long chains in culture, and spores are
formed due to presence of air.
• In tissues, short chains or individually and encapsulated.

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ANTHRAX
Susceptibility:
• Cattle, Sheep, Camels, Horses, Swine, Dogs, Cats, Man.
Transmission and Infection:
1. Ingestion of contaminated food or water by the spores of Bacillus anthracis.
2. Inhalation infection is thought to be of minor Importance
3. It is possible to occurs as wound infection.
4. The introduction of the infection into a new area is usually through
contaminated animals products.
ANTHRAX
Clinical Signs:
• Incubation period: 1-2 days.
• Two forms of the disease: peracute and acute forms.
• Sudden death (often within 2 or 3 hours of being apparently normal) is
common among sheep affected with Anthrax.
• The carcass soon become tympanic and undergoes putrifaction with
absence of rigor mortis.
• Tarry-like blood comes out from natural openings.

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ANTHRAX
Clinical Signs:
• The peracute form : the course of the disease is 1-2 hours, the
animals are found dead without showing signs, but fever, muscular
tremors and dyspnea then, collapses and death, after death discharges
of blood from nostrils, mouth, anus and vulva are common.
• The acute form: a course of about 48 hours; with severe depression
and restlessness. Body temperature is high (41.5ºC), respiration rapid
and deep, congested mucosae, animal may abort, reduced milk yield
with blood stained color. Severe diarrhea and dysentery.

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ANTHRAX
Diagnosis:
• When anthrax is suspected the carcasses must not be opened.
• In living animals, the organism may be detected in stained smear of
peripheral blood.
• Serodiagnosis with the precipitation-test & Fluorescent antibody techniques.

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ANTHRAX
Diff. Diagnosis:
• Anthrax should be differentiated from peracute blackleg , it is
largely restricted to young animals; and the crepitating swellings .
Acute leptospirosis, occur only sporadically and characterized by
hemoglobinuria.
ANTHRAX
Treatment: No treatment.
Control:
1. Hygienic disposal of infected animals and contaminated materials.
2. Thorough disinfection of premises.
3. Complete segregation and isolation of suspected animals and animals in contact.
4. Administration of hyper immune serum to animals in contact may prevent further losses.
5. The source of infection must be traced and the steps taken to prevent further spread of the disease.

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ANTHRAX
Immunization:
a) Living attenuated strains : its great disadvantage lies in the
possibility of production of anthrax due to vary degree of
susceptibility. The use of Saponin or Sat. saline sol. as vehicle to
delay absorption, is the base of CARBAZO Vaccine.
b) A virulent spore vaccine : It overcome the risk of causing
anthrax by vaccination and produces strong immunity which last
for at least 26 months in sheep.