What is the infectious agent that causes anthrax?
Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that lives naturally in certain types of soil. The bacterium produces spores. Spores are hardy forms of the bacterium that can survive in soil or on contaminated objects for years. Where is anthrax found? Anthrax is found worldwide but is most common in areas where people raise livestock and where public health programs are lax. Materials contaminated with anthrax spores can reach any country in the world. How do people get anthrax? Animals get anthrax by grazing on soils contaminated with anthrax spores. People get anthrax by touching infected animals or animal products, such as wool, hides, leather, or hair products (especially goat hair). The bacteria get into the body through a break in the skin. In rare cases, people can get anthrax by breathing in anthrax spores from contaminated soil or animal products or by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. What are the signs and symptoms of anthrax? In the body, anthrax spores p
