Key points
- Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis.
- Anthrax infections occur naturally in wild and unvaccinated domestic animals in many countries, including the United States.
- Workers can be infected if they are exposed to infected animals or animal products.
- Workers can also be infected if the bacteria is used as a biological weapon.
Overview
Workers may be exposed to the bacteria that causes anthrax if they:
- Touch contaminated animal carcasses, wool, hides, or fur
- Breathe in spores during processing or working with contaminated animal products
- Eat under-cooked meat from infected animals or eat food or drink water contaminated with spores
- Come into contact with the bacteria during an initial terrorist attack or when responding to the emergency event
Who is at risk
Naturally occurring anthrax
People who work with infected animals or contaminated animal products or environments may be exposed. Workers at risk include:
- Farmers
- Veterinarians
- Livestock handlers
- Diagnostic laboratory workers
- People who work with animal products
Anthrax as a biological weapon
Depending on how spores are spread, various workers could be exposed to spores in the air during an emergency event:
- Emergency response workers, including law enforcement, public health, and healthcare workers
- Mail handlers (if sent via the mail)
- Decontamination workers
- Critical infrastructure workers
