Anthrax in animals

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Anthrax is a significant zoonotic disease with a broad host range, particularly affecting herbivorous mammals.
• The exact mechanisms of animal transmission for anthrax remain incompletely understood despite its long recognition.
• The disease is endemic in Africa and Asia, posing risks to non-endemic regions through animal and product trade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of anthrax epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology in animals.
• To highlight the importance of understanding disease transmission for effective control strategies.
• To discuss advancements in distinguishing anthrax genotypes for better epidemiological insights.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing knowledge on anthrax.
• Detailed description of clinical manifestations and pathological findings in affected animals.
• Discussion of new systems for genotypic differentiation of Bacillus anthracis.

Main Results:

• Anthrax affects a wide array of species, with herbivorous mammals being most susceptible.
• Geographical spread occurs through trade, with endemic regions posing ongoing risks.
• New genotypic systems are improving the understanding of anthrax epidemiology.

Conclusions:

• Further scientific establishment of transmission routes is crucial for anthrax control.
• Continued vigilance is necessary in non-endemic areas to prevent outbreaks from imported cases.
• Advancements in genotyping offer enhanced tools for epidemiological surveillance and management of anthrax.