What to Know About Anthrax: a Disease from Animals Hit Humans
In the acute event, it is characterized by high fever (41.5oC), restlessness, depression, difficulty breathing, rapid but weak heartbeat, mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes become dark red and eventually die.
Sometimes bloody diarrhea and red or bloody urine also occur.
In carcasses of anthrax-affected animals, blood is often seen oozing from orifices such as the mouth, ears, nose and anus. The blood does not coagulate and the spleen is usually enlarged and blackish red in color.
Carcasses of animals suspected of having Anthrax are not recommended to be opened (carcass dissection). Laboratory testing can be done by drawing blood from the ear and making a swab preparation.
Anthrax specimens that have been decomposed or dried for many years have been reported to still give a positive result on the Ascoli test.Â