Anthrax in animals

Anthrax is the archetype zoonosis; no other infectious disease affects such a wide range of species, including humans, although most susceptible are herbivorous mammals. Although the disease appears to have been recognized for centuries, it has yet to be established scientifically how animals contract it. While primarily a disease of warmer regions, it has long been spread to cooler zones through the trade of infected animals or contaminated animal products. Today it is still endemic in many countries of Africa and Asia and non-endemic countries must remain alert to the possibility of imports from such endemic areas resulting in outbreaks in their own livestock. The epidemiology of anthrax is becoming understood better with new systems coming on stream for distinguishing different genotypes and this is covered in detail. Clinical signs and pathology in animals are described. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.