Anthrax is a disease caused by infection with a bacteria, Bacillus anthracis. There are three types of anthrax:
Anthrax can cause serious harm, but it is very rare in people. Since 1982, only three cases of human anthrax have been reported. They were all cutaneous anthrax.
Anthrax in animals sometimes happens in Australia, mostly in an area known as the ‘anthrax belt’. This region stretches from southern Queensland, through central NSW, into Victoria. In NSW, it is from Bourke and Inverell in the north to Albury and Deniliquin in the south. Infections also happen in Western Australia.
Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax usually start from three to ten days after contact with the bacteria (most often between five and seven days).
People get dark-coloured sores on the skin that do not hurt. The skin around the sore may become swollen. Doctors can often recognise this type of anthrax by how the sore looks.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax usually start between three and seven days after eating food containing anthrax bacteria.
People usually get abdominal (stomach) pain and fever.
Some people survive, but if the illness spreads into the blood (called sepsis), the survival rate is very low.
Symptoms of inhalational anthrax usually start between one and five days after exposure but may be as long as 60 days.
Early symptoms can be flu-like, such as feeling tired and unwell. After a few days, the symptoms become worse. People may develop serious problems with breathing or circulation.
Inhalational anthrax has a very low survival rate, even with aggressive treatment.
People get anthrax in one of three ways:
Anthrax bacteria can live in soil for many years as spores. Spores are a tough form of bacteria that can survive very harsh conditions. They usually only infect animals. Humans are unlikely to get anthrax from spores, as large amounts are needed for infection to occur.
In late 2001, several people in the USA contracted anthrax from spores that were intentionally distributed through the mail. Both cutaneous and inhalational anthrax were reported in that outbreak.
There is no vaccine to protect against anthrax. Anthrax can be prevented by avoiding contact with animals infected, or suspected to be infected, with anthrax.
While anthrax is not known to spread from person to person, contaminated wound dressings should be thrown away safely to avoid potential transmission to others.
If a grazing animal suddenly dies and the cause is not known, report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888). Anyone who suspects anthrax in livestock must report it.
Do not touch or move the animal until anthrax has been ruled out.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) recommends animals or carcasses infected with anthrax are not handled, moved, cut open or skinned. Follow instructions from DPIRD officials or local veterinarians to manage other animals nearby and safely dispose of animal carcasses.
Anthrax-infected animals or products from anthrax-infected animals should only be handled under the guidance of DPIRD.
If you must handle infected animals or products:
If anthrax is confirmed, all contaminated items need to be burned or sterilized at 121°C for 30 minutes.
See Anthrax - Emergency Animal Disease information for more information about anthrax in livestock.
If you have been exposed to anthrax, self-monitor your health for at least 10 days.
Self-monitoring means watching for any new symptoms of illness, such as:
If you have had significant exposure to anthrax, antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection.
If you experience new symptoms, report them to your local Public Health Unit (1300 066 055) and see a doctor immediately. Tell them you have been exposed to anthrax.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department immediately.
Anthrax infection can be confirmed by testing samples from the blood, skin lesions or mucus.
Anthrax infection is treated with antibiotics. Treatment for anthrax infections may require hospitalisation.
Anthrax in animals is a notifiable condition in NSW. NSW Health will work with NSW DPIRD to determine any human health risks associated with an anthrax detection in animals and provide health advice.
Laboratories must notify the local public health unit of a suspected or confirmed anthrax case in humans. Public health unit staff will investigate how the infection was acquired, identify other people at risk of infection, and provide health advice.
Employers must notify SafeWork NSW about anthrax infections acquired in the workplace.
NSW DPIRD – Anthrax and NSW agriculture
For further information, please call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.