Anthrax Control Program 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Texas A&M System

Objectives Understand that because anthrax has been a reportable disease, it has been controlled Understand that surveillance of a disease prevents its spread

Reportable Bacterial disease Worldwide distribution Endemic to U.S. Triangle of Uvalde, Ozona, Eagle Pass, TX Affects numerous animal species Primarily domestic and wild livestock Zoonotic

Causative Agent Bacterium - Bacillus anthracis Vegetative bacteria in animal Spore bacteria in environment

Transmission Spores leave dead animal via hemorrhagic exudates Mouth, nose, anus and vulva Contain large numbers of bacteria Contaminated soil Spores remain viable for decades

Soil-borne – summer drought, following rains Soil-borne – summer rain, following drought Usually ingestion of spores Incubation period is 1-20 days Infections apparent after 3-7 days

Diagnosis Ruminants Sudden death Staggering Trembling Dyspnea Fever Respiratory distress Convulsions Abortions Bloody discharge FATAL

Horses Sudden death Fever Chills Anorexia Depression Severe colic Bloody diarrhea Swelling FATAL

Pigs Sudden death Mild, chronic infections Fever Swelling Enlarged lymph nodes Usually recover

Dead animals Sudden death – blood poisoning Rigor mortis absent Rapid decomposition – extreme bloat Dark blood Enlarged spleen Non-clotting blood People Wound infections – carbuncles

Image Illustrates the Typical Bloated Decomposition with the Fore Legs Separated and Raised

Bacterial Skin Infection in Human Microscopic Stained Bacteria in Characteristic Chains of Rods like Box Cars Bacterial Disease in Animals with Sudden Death and Rapid Bloat Decomposition Infected Doe; Blood from Nasal Cavity to Soil

Prevention Vaccinate livestock Sterne-strain Live Endemic areas Burn carcasses Do not move Burn body remains Bones, antlers and horns

Regulation and Control Texas FEAD Emergency Response Plan Identify positive animals and destroy Reduce amount of time to get back test results Track origin of suspect animals

Burn carcass and bedding Don’t open carcass Spores will not develop without oxygen Bacteria will decompose within a few days Vaccination of herd required Quarantine of herd required for 10 days after vaccination