Anthrax is an infectious bacterial disease spread by contact with infected animals, handling infected products, eating infected meat, or breathing weapon-dispersed anthrax spores.
What it is:
Anthrax is produced by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. A tough protective coat allows the bacteria to survive for decades as spores.
Anthrax is dangerous because, it is:
Highly lethal
One of the easiest biological agents to manufacture
Relatively easy to develop as a weapon
Easily spread in the air over a large area
Easily stored and dangerous for a long period
Three types of Anthrax infection:
Cutaneous Anthrax - primarily involving the skin,caused by contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
Gastrointestinal Anthrax - caused by eating of contaminated meat.
