Anthrax is a disease that can strike animals and, in rare cases, humans. It is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which can remain dormant in soil for decades. Anthrax has been reported in nearly every state and around the world.  

Anthrax does infect Minnesota animals from time to time. In 2000 and 2001, several dozen cases of anthrax were reported among livestock and deer in extreme northwestern Minnesota. However, no human cases of anthrax have been reported since 1953.

How does it cause problems?

Most animals, particularly cattle and sheep, are infected while grazing in previous infected anthrax sites. Flooding can contaminate low-lying areas and bring dormant bacteria to the surface. When flooding is followed by dry conditions, the bacteria can be inhaled by animals feeding close to the ground.

Ruminants, especially cattle, sheep and goats, are among the species most commonly affected by anthrax. Death may occur without warning, and in fact can be mistaken for a "lightning" death. Horses, pigs and dogs can also contract forms of the disease.

What about humans?

Although it is rare, humans can also be infected with anthrax. The bacteria can enter the body in several different ways, resulting in three different forms of the disease: cutaneous, pulmonary, and intestinal. If detected early, each form is treatable. However, the pulmonary and intestinal forms are far more dangerous than the cutaneous form.

• Cutaneous anthrax results when the organism enters broken skin. This form accounts for nearly 90 percent of all reported cases.
• Pulmonary anthrax is caused by the inhalation of spores from contaminated dust, wool or hair.
• Intestinal anthrax is caused by the consumption of raw meat, blood or inadequately cooked meat from anthrax-infected animals.

Has anthrax been detected in Minnesota?

Anthrax does infect Minnesota animals from time to time. In 2000 and 2001, several dozen cases of anthrax were reported among livestock and deer in extreme northwestern Minnesota. However, no human cases of anthrax have been reported since 1953.

It should be noted that anthrax has affected Minnesota cattle throughout the state's history. There is absolutely no reason to suspect a connection between northwestern Minnesota's recent anthrax cases in cattle and the incidents of suspected bioterrorism elsewhere.

What should a farmer do if his or her animals have anthrax?

Minnesota law requires that confirmed or suspected cases of anthrax must be immediately reported by telephone to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942. State veterinarians will then investigate outbreaks and help local veterinarians dispose of infected animals.

To prevent unnecessary exposure to humans or other animals, it is important that infected carcasses are not opened. Animals that have died from anthrax should be properly burned or buried and least six feet deep and covered with lime under the supervision of a state veterinarian. Anthrax carcasses cannot be moved over public highways. The anthrax-contaminated premises will be placed under quarantine until 30 days after the last animal death from anthrax. Animals not showing clinical signs of anthrax are removed from the sources and treated with antibiotics.

Which agencies respond to anthrax cases?

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is the lead authority in responding to anthrax cases in Minnesota livestock and pets. Local health agencies and the Minnesota Department of Health would take the lead in responding to human cases, and if terrorism was suspected, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies would also play a key role.