Anthrax
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Example |
|
| Can I still use the animal |
No
|
| Commonly infected wildlife |
Bison and Deer
|
| Is this animal infected |
- Living animals may be slow, weak, disoriented and dead within hours to days
- Dead animals bloat and decompose quickly
- There may be a bloody discharge from the mouth, nose and anus
|
| Can I get it |
Yes
- Through cuts, open sores and scratches
- Inhaling spores from contaminated materials, such as dust and grass
- Eating undercooked meat
|
| How bad can it get |
Inhaled anthrax is fatal. Avoid dead animals.
|
| How can I protect myself and others |
Animals suspected of having anthrax:
|
| Symptoms in humans |
- Cutaneous (skin) anthrax:
- Most common type of anthrax infection in people
- Small painless sore blister
- Ulcer with a black center
- Inhalation (lungs) anthrax:
- Fever, sore throat, general ill-feeling
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Breathing difficulties, death
- Gastrointestinal (digestive) anthrax:
- Fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
|
| Is it safe for pets |
NO - Carcasses should not be opened or cut into
|
| What causes it |
- Toxins from the bacteria Bacillus anthracis
- Anthrax has been reported in plains bison from the prairies
|
