LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Anthrax: United States
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Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. The B. anthracis spores are highly resistant to inactivation and may be present in the soil, for example, for decades, occasionally infecting grazing animals that ingest the spores. Goats, sheep and cattle are examples of animals that may become infected. Human infection may occur by three routes of exposure to anthrax spores: cutaneous (through the skin), gastrointestinal (by ingestion), and pulmonary (inhalation). In North America, human cases of anthrax are infrequent. However, the United States military views anthrax as a potential biological terrorism threat because the spores are so resistant to destruction and can be easily spread by release in the air.
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Anthrax is an acute febrile disease of virtually all warm-blooded animals, including man. It is caused by the bacterium named Bacillus anthracis, which is stored in long-living spores maintaining the disease on a farm for many years. The spores release bacteria into the host (patient) when the conditions are optimal. Most commonly, it manifests as a septicemia characterized principally by a rapidly fatal course. Anthrax occurs worldwide, irregularly distributed in districts where repeated outbreaks occur. In the USA, there are recognized areas of infection in South Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and California; small areas exist in a number of other states. In endemic areas, neutral or alkaline calcareous soils serve as an incubator for the bacterial organisms.
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Anthrax is very rare in the United States. At the beginning of the century it was estimated that about 130 cases of anthrax occurred every year. But now, with improved conditions for the testing and handling of animals, anthrax has virtually disappeared. The last case of natural anthrax in the United States was in 1992. In 2001, members of the media and postal workers were infected by anthrax following distribution of letters containing anthrax spores.
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Anthrax occurs worldwide, reported in 82 countries. Human cases of anthrax are reported regularly in countries in the Middle East, Africa and the former Soviet Union. Cases of animal anthrax in the United States occur in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Dakota. Cattle, sheep, goats and horses are the chief animal hosts. Infections can occur from contact with contaminated carcasses, hides, wool, hair, blood, excreta, bones; and consuming uncooked, contaminate meat. Workers in the clothing, yarn, insulation material, saddle pads and fertilizer industries are noted as reported cases of occupational anthrax.
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Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another person. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can ... be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States. Anthrax spores can be used as a bioterrorist weapon, as was the case in 2001, when Bacillus anthracis spores had been intentionally distributed through the postal system, causing 22 cases of anthrax, including 5 deaths.
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Anthrax is most common in animals in agricultural regions of the world. Anthrax is rare in humans. An estimated 20,000 to 100,000 cases occur yearly worldwide, mostly in developing countries. Anthrax is very rare in the United States and in other countries where animals are inspected before and after slaughter. Anthrax is ... rare in U.S. travelers, although certain handicrafts might be contaminated and should be avoided.
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