Anthrax

• Acute, soil borne disease of mammal.
• Characterized by septicemia and sudden death by exudation of blood from natural orifice.
• Absence of rigor mortis

a) Etiology:

• Bacillus anthracis
• Incubation period is 1-7 days

b) Transmission:

• Ingestion and inhalation of spores
• Entry of organism through wound

c) Pathogenesis:

• Ingestion of spores—> infection through intact mucous membrane —>  proliferation of bacteria ——–>  spread to blood stream —>  septicemia

d) Symptom:

• Fever up to 107⁰F, muscle tremor, respiratory distress, convulsion and death
• After death, exudation of blood from natural opening, bloating and lack of rigormortis.
• Constipation and diarrhoea
• Edem of throat, sternum and flank

e) Diagnosis:

• Signs and symptoms
• History of sudden death
• Swab collection and testing
• Isolation and identification of bacteria

f) Differential diagnosis:

• Sudden death of animal
• Acute infectious anaemia
• Lead poisoning in horse

g) Prevention and treatment:

• Regular monitoring and schedule vaccination of animal
• Disposal of infected animal