DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan
Annexe D
Anthrax
DCC Contingency Plan Annexe D - Anthrax 06/2010
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Contents
The contents of Annexe D on Anthrax Disease must be read in conjunction with the Generic
Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon.
Annexe D only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of Anthrax Disease.
All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal
diseases are contained within the main contingency plan.
Chapter
Subject
Page
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
3
3
3
3
3
5.2
6.
Introduction
Anthrax Disease
Risk of Anthrax Disease in the UK
Human Health Concerns
Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon and
Annexe D on Anthrax Disease
Overview of Devon County Council Role
Epidemiology
Definition
After-Effects of Disease
Transmission
Clinical Signs
Clinical Signs in Cattle and Sheep
Clinical Signs in Pigs and Horses
At Post Mortem
Main Aspects of Disease Control
Legislation
Overview of Disease Stages and Controls
Plan Implementation – Devon County Council Functions and
Responsibilities
Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function – Anthrax
Disease
Initiation and Activation – Anthrax Disease
Management and Control – Anthrax Disease
Stand Down and Recovery – Anthrax Disease
Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement – Job Specification
-Anthrax Disease
Other Devon County Council Services – Anthrax Disease
Emergency Planning, Communications and Public Relations etc
Useful Information and Advice
6.1
6.2
7.
Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice Leaflets/Letters
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Information Sources
13
14
18
1.5
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.5
3.
4.
5.
5.1
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
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4
4
4
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
8
10
10
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11
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1.
Introduction
1.1
Anthrax Disease
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease of almost all warm-blooded animals including humans. In
animals, the disease is characterised, in most instances, by sudden death.
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis that belongs to a group of bacteria that
have the capability of forming spores. Spores are microscopic, resistant particles, which enable
the micro-organism to survive adverse environmental conditions.
In most countries, it is required by law that outbreaks of anthrax are reported to the appropriate
regulatory officials.
1.2
Risk of Anthrax in the UK
The disease occurs world-wide. In some countries, specific areas are known to favour the
survival of anthrax bacterium spores in the soil and are thus subject to occasional outbreaks.
Alkaline soils are favourable for the survival of the spores. In these areas, the spores of the
organism multiply when conditions of the soil such as temperature, moisture and nutrition are
favourable. Re-occurrence of the disease is experienced in such locations periodically for many
years.
1.3
Human Health Concerns
Anthrax may cause a raised boil-like lesion on the skin which develops a black centre, from
which the name anthrax, meaning coal, derives. Wool sorter’s Disease used, historically, to be
caused by inhaling spores from handling contaminated wool and is often fatal. Normally, the
skin infection responds to early treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
1.4
Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon and Annexe D on Anthrax
The contents of Annexe D on Anthrax must be read in conjunction with the Generic Notifiable
Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon.
Annexe D only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of Anthrax. All
structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal diseases
are contained within the main contingency plan.
Further details are available in the Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan produced by
Defra. This is available at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/control/index.htm
1.5
Overview of Devon County Council Role
Anthrax is a notifiable animal disease.
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The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 places a statutory duty upon local authorities to be prepared
for a notifiable animal disease outbreak. The Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended by the
Animal Health Act 2002) and the European Communities Act 1972 include further specific
duties for local authorities in the event of a suspect or confirmed notifiable animal disease.
Further details of the duties placed upon local authorities by the Civil Contingencies Act, the
Animal Health Act and European Communities Act are available within the LACORS Generic
Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan Template for Devon.
Devon County Council will perform a range of essential duties in the event of an Anthrax
outbreak. The role played by Devon County Council will be key to the effective control and
eradication of a disease situation, and in ensuring that the needs of the local community are
provided for. The Secretary of State has a certain degree of flexibility in terms of the control
measures depending on the circumstances of the disease outbreak. Therefore Devon County
Council is strongly advised to carefully examine individual Declaratory Orders.
The basic disease control policy is on farm incineration of any suspected or diseased carcase
on the infected place and where suitable cleansing and disinfection. Movement restrictions are
also put in place to help contain the disease. Biosecurity is of paramount importance in control
of Anthrax.
The animal health and welfare enforcement function within Devon County Council will be to
dispose of the carcase at the DCC expense. Devon County Council is responsible for enforcing
The Anthrax Order 1991, which outlines the procedures, policy and restrictions upon the
movement of animals and animal products in the event of an Anthrax situation. The Order also
includes requirements relating to disinfection of premises and equipment, maintenance of
records and introduces restrictions to be applied to milk and other animal products from
infected place.
Devon County Council will also play an essential role in ensuring that their communities are
accurately made aware of the current situation and any restrictions upon activities, without
causing any concern or panic. This role must be fulfilled through all feasible avenues, but
particularly the animal health and welfare, emergency planning and communications functions.
2.
Epidemiology
2.1
Definition
Anthrax is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium, Bacillus Anthracis. All animals
including human beings are susceptible to Anthrax, however in this country the disease occurs
chiefly in cattle, sheep, pigs and occasionally horses.
2.2
After–Effects of the Disease
Under certain adverse circumstances each bacillus anthracis is able to form itself into a spore.
Anthrax spores are hard to destroy, they resist drying for at least two years, and they are able
to live in the earth for ten years or more whilst retaining the ability to infect animals or people.
DCC Contingency Plan Annexe D - Anthrax 06/2010
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Pastures that have been contaminated by the discharges of blood of an infected animal are
difficult to render safe for livestock as earthworms may carry the spores from deeper layers of
the earth up to the surface. Spores have also been found in bone meal, blood fertilisers, wool,
hides and feeding stuffs.
2.3
Transmission
An outbreak of Anthrax is usually confined to a single animal, and this contingency plan has
been formulated on that basis.
Although in the United Kingdom the disease does not spread quickly from animal to animal, it
should be noted that it may affect a number of pigs at the same time if they have had access to
Anthrax infected flesh or organs, or been fed on Anthrax contaminated feeding stuffs.
The discharges, blood, and flesh of an infected animal are dangerous to both animals and
human beings. The carcass of an animal suspected of dying of Anthrax should not be cut,
except by a veterinary inspector obtaining a sample. In the case of a sudden unexplained
death of an animal the person in charge should await a veterinary opinion before disposing of
the carcass.
The bacillus itself is a comparatively delicate organism and is easily killed by approved
disinfectants.
2.4
Clinical Signs and Post Mortem
The disease appears suddenly; an animal that a short time before appeared to be well is found
dead or dying. Frequently blood oozes from the nostrils and anus.
More information on symptoms and pictures of infected cattle, sheep, goats and pigs are
available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/anthrax/index.htm
2.4.1
Clinical Signs in Cattle and Sheep
Among cattle and sheep, the period of illness is often so short that the affected animals may be
found dead without signs of illness having been noticed. Nevertheless, anthrax is not always
rapidly fatal to cattle and sheep, and an affected animal may be ill for several days before
death occurs. Any of the following symptoms may be observed: high temperature, shivering
and twitching, harsh dry coat, fits, bright staring eyes, colicky pains, dejection, refusal of food,
and marked decrease or complete loss of milk. Occasionally a small trickle of blood from the
nostrils is visible and there may also be blood in the dung.
2.4.2
Clinical Signs in Pigs and Horses
In pigs and horses the disease is usually fatal, though less quickly than in cattle. In both of
these animals a hot, painful swelling in the regions of the throat may be present, but the
absence of such a swelling does not rule out the possibility that death may have been due to
anthrax. In horses, symptoms of acute colic are frequently seen. Pigs may simply go off their
food for a day or so, but the variation in symptoms they show is very great indeed. Any sudden
or unaccountable death in farm stock should always raise suspicion of anthrax.
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In horses and pigs the region of the throat is often found to be swollen, but otherwise, as with
Cattle and Sheep there are often no other clinical signs.
2.4.3
At Post Mortem
At Post Mortem blood is often found at all natural orifices and the blood is dark coloured, tarry,
and does not clot readily. Haemorrhages occur in the muscles, blood stained fluid is found in
the body cavities, and most organs are congested and dark in colour. The spleen is usually
greatly enlarged, dark coloured and soft. Pigs may show the septicaemia form, but more
commonly the throat or abdominal forms are seen. In the throat form, the throat is usually
greatly swollen with extensive subcutaneous oedema, which is frequently haemorrhagic, and
the associated lymph nodes are also swollen and oedematous. In the abdominal form the
abdomen contains excess, sometimes blood stained fluid and there is severe enteritis which is
often localised to a section of bowel and may be necrotic.
Other species may show lesions of the septicaemia or throat form of the disease.
2.5
Main Aspects of Disease Control
In Great Britain the accepted disease control strategy involves:


3.
Disposal of Carcase
Disinfection
Legislation
The overarching requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the Animal Health Act 1981
as amended by the Animal Health Act 2002 and the European Communities Act 1972, are
detailed in the Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon. The legislative
information provided within this Annexe relates specifically to Anthrax.
Animal Health Act 1981 as amended by the Animal Health Act 2002
The principal Act under which Devon County Council is required to take action in relation to
disease of animals.
Anthrax is a notifiable disease within the terms of Section 88 of the Act and as such The
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (now
DEFRA) have powers within the Act to make orders to control the disease.
The Anthrax Order of 1991
The Anthrax Order of 1991 as amended revoked and replaced the Anthrax Order of 1938, and
came into force on 1st January 1992. The 1991 Order includes anthrax as a notifiable disease
under the Animal Health Act, and any suspicion of the disease must be notified to the Divisional
Veterinary Manager. The Order also provides for a veterinary inquiry as to the existence of
disease, and the action to be taken in confirmed cases including the rules to be observed in an
infected place.
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The main changes in the legislation include:

Suspicion of the disease must be notified directly to the Divisional Veterinary Manager
of DEFRA

Forms may only be served by a Veterinary Inspector.

Devon County Council will no longer be involved in cleansing and disinfecting
arrangements.

Movement of unaffected animals permitted under licence issued by a Veterinary
Inspector.
Under this legislation Devon County Council has powers to dispose of carcasses by
incineration on the infected place or by such other means as the Divisional Veterinary Manager
may approve. Owners are not entitled to compensation, but Devon County Council pays for
the destruction of the carcasses. The Order also provides powers to require vaccination of
animals and for cleansing and disinfection of infected premises.
The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 / The Swine Fever Order 1963
Under Article 9 of The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 and Article 15 of The Swine
Fever Order 1963 the Divisional Veterinary Manager (Divisional Veterinary Manager) may
require Devon County Council to dispose of infected carcasses.
Should these circumstances arise, the disposal method may be by incineration and therefore
be the same as those detailed in this plan.
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4.
Overview of Disease Stages and Controls
The following diagram details the various stages of an Anthrax Disease outbreak, and the restrictions that would be applied under The
Anthrax Order 1991.
Notification
Anyone who knows or suspects that disease exists
must notify the Divisional Veterinary Manager.
Suspicion
Where a Veterinary Inspector has reasonable
grounds for supposing that the disease exists or has
within 56 days existed on any premises he may
serve a notice in form A on the occupier of the
premises declaring them to be an infected place
(Article 7(1).) Form A requirements are set out in
Schedule 1.
A Veterinary Inspector may at any time alter the
limits of the infected place by the service of a notice
in form C on the occupier (Article 7(3).)
Schedule 1 - Requirements
under Articles 5 and 7 (Form A)





Procedure Following Notification of
Suspected Anthrax Carcass
-Notification is received by Farming the
Standards Team (FSU).
-The limits of the Infected Place will be noted
upon receipt of notification and the Service
cascade process initiated.
-Such other staff as required will be
instructed to assist in the disposal of the
carcass
-The Health and Safety implications must be
considered.
-AHO(s) will be informed that it is likely that
their services will be required and that full
details will follow.
-AHO(s) will be authorised to make a site
visit in liaison with the DVM to determine
how, when and where the carcass may be
incinerated, what equipment is available on
farm and how much assistance can be
expected from the farmer.
-Account being made at all times regarding
the limits of the Infected Place as detailed on
the Form A.
-AHO(s) must wear full protective clothing at
all times including rubber gloves.
-A container of approved disinfectant and
brush should be situated near to the carcass
for the disinfection of the footwear and
clothing of anybody entering or leaving the
Infected Place.
-Incineration of the carcase will take place –
See Method of Carcase Disposal.
-The FSU will inform Environmental Health,
Environment Agency and Devon & Somerset
Fire & Rescue Service.
Veterinary Inquiry (Part 2)
If a Veterinary inspector has reasonable grounds for
supposing that the disease exists or has within 56
days existed on any premises he shall with all
practical speed inquire as to the correctness of the
supposition (Article 6.)
A Veterinary Inspector may:
-examine the animal or carcase
-take any sample he may require for diagnosis
-mark/cause to be marked any animal/carcase for
identification
-examine records relating to origin, destination,
health and productivity of any animal which is or has
been on the premises and take copies
-investigate origin of feedingstuffs and fertilisers





Disposal of Carcase

Devon County Council shall cause the
diseased or suspected carcases to be
disposed of by incineration on the infected
place or by such other method as the
Divisional Veterinary Manager may approve
(Article 9.)

It is our (Trading Standards) responsibility to
dispose of the carcase. By use of mobile
incinerator - Pearce of Tellams, Cheriton
Bishop, Exeter: 0870 224 1600
DCC Contingency Plan Annexe D - Anthrax 06/2010
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Block the drainage system to
prevent disease spread
Prevent access of animal or
poultry
Disinfect any place where
diseased or suspected animal or
carcase has been
Sterilise any milk product of a
diseased or suspected animal and
sterilise any utensils
No person shall/cause/permit to
be cut any diseased or suspected
carcase
No person shall mix milk from a
diseased or suspected animal with
other milk
If so directed the occupier will
exhibit notices
No person other than the
occupier/attendee and Veterinary
Inspector will enter any part of the
premise Anyone entering will wear
outer clothing capable of being
disinfected or disposed of
No person will leave without
fully disinfecting their outer
clothing or leaving disposable
clothing on the premises
No animal or carcase or thing
derived from or anything used or
intended to be used in connection
with animals into or from the
premise will be moved unless
under licence
No one shall allow any animal
or poultry to stray onto or from the
premise or come into contact with
any animal or poultry on any other
premise
The occupier shall give notice
of the death or slaughter of any
animal
A receptacle containing
disinfectant is kept at all exits from
the premise and fresh disinfectant
if placed in the receptacle daily
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Method of Carcase Disposal
Agreement will be reached with the DVM as to
preferred method of disposal, normally incineration on
site preferably by a mobile incineration unit or by
incineration pyre. Burial is neither an option nor the
removal of the carcass to another site.
The time required to incinerate the carcass will vary
from five hours to fifteen hours, but usually less than
one day to complete.
In the interest of safety, any operation involving the
cremation of a carcass must be treated with extreme
caution.
Due regard must always be given to the site of the fire
and the surroundings (e.g. buildings, machinery,
equipment, crops etc.) Weather conditions and any
other effect on the environment must also be
considered.
Account must be taken of sections 14 and 17 of The
Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of
Air.
Cleansing, Disinfection, Vaccination and
Treatment
A Veterinary Inspector may serve a notice requiring the
occupier to cleanse and disinfect, within a period as
specified on such notice and with such disinfectant as
specified:
-all or part of the premises
-anything which has been in contact with the animal or
carcase or used in connection with it
A Veterinary Inspector may serve a notice requiring
vaccination or treatment (or both)
If requirements are not complied with a Veterinary
Inspector may carry out or cause to be carried out any
cleansing, disinfection, vaccination or treatment and
any expenses reasonably incurred in doing so shall be
recoverable by the Minister from the occupier
Lifting Restriction
An infected place shall be subject to the requirements
set out in Schedule 1 until a notice in form B is served
on the occupier by the Divisional Veterinary Officer
(Article7(2).)
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5.
Plan Implementation – Devon County Council Functions and
Responsibilities
There is a clear range of specific functions that must be performed by Devon County Council in
the event of a notifiable animal disease situation. The majority of these functions remain the
same for all types of notifiable animal disease, and therefore are comprehensively detailed
within the Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon.
The generic contingency plan includes an overview of each key Devon County Council function
throughout a disease outbreak, including animal health and welfare enforcement, highways and
footpaths, communications and emergency planning. The outline for each function also
includes job specifications that must be performed to achieve the overall requirements in that
area.
However, the duties performed under the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement function
may vary in detail and emphasis depending upon the individual disease that has occurred.
Specifically the role performed by the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer will
change in consideration of legislative duties, and the operational requirements that are unique
to each disease.
As a result the Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon only includes an
overview of the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer role, and each individual
annexe will include further details of what is required from that role in consideration of the
unique requirements of each disease.
Each annexe will also include further details of what is expected of the Animal Health and
Welfare Function as a whole.
As highlighted in the generic contingency plan, the level of resource required within Devon
County Council to perform each job specification will vary depending upon the type and extent
of the notifiable disease situation. Devon County Council will also have to consider the level of
resource that can be committed to control of the disease, and should escalate any resource
concerns through established regional and national communication channels.
The details provided below must be utilised in conjunction with the Notifiable Animal
Disease Contingency Plan for Devon.
5.1
Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function– Anthrax Disease
The animal health and welfare enforcement function is usually performed within the Trading
Standards or Environmental Health service of Devon County Council.
Comprehensive information about the role of the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement
Function during an animal disease outbreak is included within the Devon generic contingency
plan, and the additional details within this section apply to an outbreak of Anthrax only.
5.1.1
Initiation and Activation – Anthrax Disease
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The principle consideration for local authorities in the event of an Anthrax outbreak will primarily
be the disposal of suspected or diseased carcases followed by the effective enforcement of
movement controls and cleansing and disinfection requirements where applicable. This reflects
the national control policies which are carcase disposal by incineration and disinfection as well
as control of movements; animals, carcases, equipment and animal derived products from the
infected place in order to prevent spread.
5.1.2
Management and Control – Anthrax Disease
During an Anthrax outbreak Devon County Council Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement
Function will deliver the full range of activities that are standard to all notifiable animal disease
outbreaks, including enforcement of movement restrictions associated with The Anthrax Order
1991.
Animal Health will take the lead in visiting, serving notices and applying restrictions.
5.1.3
Stand Down and Recovery – Anthrax Disease
The Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function within Devon County Council should
follow the stand down and recovery procedures laid down within the Notifiable Animal Disease
Contingency Plan for Devon.
The function should also provide input to the authority-wide Strategic Recovery Group.
5.1.4
Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer Job Specification – Anthrax
In the event of an outbreak of Anthrax it is unlikely that Devon County Council will require
additional staff to fulfil the role of Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer.
However, should this be the case as with all other roles, the level of resource dedicated to this
post will depend upon the nature and extent of the disease situation. As mentioned above, if
necessary Devon County Council should consider the secondment of officers from other local
authorities.
A general overview of the requirements to be fulfilled by the Animal Health and Welfare
Enforcement Officer has been included within the Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan
for Devon, and therefore the information below must be viewed in conjunction with the generic
plan.
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The job description below aims to provide further details about the activities to be carried out by
an Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer that are unique to an outbreak of Anthrax.
Key Responsibilities
1.
Enforcement of Animal Health and Welfare Legislation
This specifically relates to the enforcement of The Anthrax Order 1991, though
Devon County Council animal health and welfare enforcement officers must
always remain cognisant of all animal health and welfare legislative
responsibilities.
2.
Enforcement of Movement Restrictions
Devon County Council is responsible for disposal of suspected or diseased
carcases and enforcing movement restrictions in The Anthrax Order 1991.
These cover movement of live animals, animal products such as milk, feedstuff
and fertiliser. The animal health and welfare enforcement officer may therefore
be responsible for responding to intelligence and enforcing as appropriate.
The approach taken to the enforcement of movement restrictions will depend
considerably upon the extent of the disease situation.
3.
Monitoring Cleansing and Disinfection Requirements
Devon County Council is responsible for enforcing the cleansing and
disinfection requirements of The Anthrax Order 1991, where applicable.
5.
Erection of Signs
Occupiers have a duty, under Schedule 1, to erect signs at the boundaries of an
infected place.
6.
Prohibition of Animal Movements
An inspector may have an active involvement in the enforcement of movement
restrictions on the infected place, especially if non compliance were to occur.
Tracing Of Animal Products
Devon County Council may be required to assist Animal Health in the tracing of
milk, meat and other animal products from animals originating on the infected
place.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
5.2
Dissemination of Guidance and Information
Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officers will need to ensure that
accurate guidance and information is provided to members of the community,
especially neighbouring farms where most alarm may be caused. Section 6 of
this Annexe provides some further information on producing advice
leaflets/letters. However, it is important to maintain an awareness of the
ongoing situation and advice issued, by using the Defra and LACORS websites.
Key Responsibilities – Ongoing General Requirements
Nominate an individual with responsibility for routinely checking LACORS and
Defra website for updated information.
Complete any further reasonable ad hoc activity that may be requested by
either the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Manager or Animal Health.
Escalate any risk or issues to the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement
Manager. Please note this includes Health and Safety concerns.
Other Devon County Council Services – Anthrax Disease
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There is a range of key Devon County Council services that play an essential role in the event
of a notifiable animal disease outbreak.
The Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan for Devon County Council includes an
overview of each key Devon County Council function throughout a disease outbreak, including
animal health and welfare enforcement. The outline for each function also includes job
specifications that must be performed to achieve the overall requirements in that area.
The main role played by each of these areas remains the same for each notifiable disease, and
therefore Devon County Council should utilise the generic plan for this information.
All Devon County Council representatives and key services must remain aware that a major
concern will be the impact of the disease on the local community in terms of access to the
countryside and tourism. Liaison between all services is therefore vitally important to ensure
that the approach to disease management is joined up, considers the need of the local
community and aims to maintain access to the countryside and promote tourism and local
businesses.
All Devon County Council key functions should also ensure that they access central information
regularly to ensure that they are aware of the current situation and policy decisions.
6.
Useful Information and Advice
6.1
Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice Leaflets/Letters
Due to the flexibility that the Veterinary Inspector has to introduce restrictions and requirements
on an infected place, it is difficult to centrally produce specific template advice leaflets/letters.
Devon County Council will wish to tailor the advice and information to reflect the individual
case/scenario. However, this section contains advice on the type of information that could be
included within advice leaflets or letters.
Information and advice leaflets could include:
 Clinical signs of Anthrax. If there is a particular type of animal predominately farmed in
the area then this information could be restricted to that animal.
 Advice on contacting DVM if suspect livestock are affected.
 Movement restrictions that may be applied.
 Cleansing and disinfection/biosecurity requirements that may be applied
 Practical advice on biosecurity.
 Requirements to keep records
 Importance of preventing animals from straying and of keeping poultry and dogs under
control.
 Contact details for Devon County Council, including specifically Animal Health and
Welfare Enforcement Team, Local Animal Health Divisional Office.
 Details of Devon County Council and Defra websites.
 List of frequently asked questions, see below.
6.2
Frequently Asked Questions
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The nature of the disease
What is it?
Anthrax is one of the oldest recorded diseases of grazing animals such as sheep and cattle
and is believed to be the Sixth Plague mentioned in the Book of Exodus in the Bible.
Anthrax can also infect humans, usually as the result of coming into contact with infected
animal hides, fur, wool ("Woolsorter's disease"), leather or contaminated soil. Anthrax ("siberian
ulcer") is now fairly rare (a few to no cases per year in the developed world) in humans
although it still occasionally occurs in ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, wild
buffalo, and antelopes.
Bacillus anthracis bacteria spores are soil-borne and because of their long lifetime they are still
present globally and at animal burial sites of anthrax-killed animals for many decades; spores
have been known to have reinfected animals over 70 years after burial sites of anthrax-infected
animals were disturbed.
How many strains are there?
There are 89 known strains of anthrax; the most widely recognized being the virulent Ames
strain used in the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States. The Ames strain is extremely
dangerous, though not quite as virulent as the Vollum strain which was successfully developed
as a biological weapon during the Second World War, but never used. The Vollum (also
incorrectly referred to as Vellum) strain was isolated in 1935 from a cow in Oxfordshire, UK.
This is the same strain that was used during the Gruinard bioweapons trials. A variation of
Vollum known as "Vollum 1B" was used during the 1960s in the US and UK bioweapon
programs. Vollum 1B was isolated from William A. Boyles, a 46-year-old USAMRIID scientist
who died in 1951 after being accidentally infected with the Vollum strain. The Sterne strain,
named after a South African researcher, is an attenuated strain used as a vaccine.
Which animals are susceptible to Anthrax?
Among farm stock, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats are susceptible, as are llamas and alpacas.
Horses are also susceptible and so may dogs.
Wild ruminants such as antelopes, gazelles, impalas are known to be equally susceptible.
Elephants and hippopotamus have been reported to have died from the disease in outbreaks in
some parts of Africa. Wild carnivores such as lions, hyenas, jackals, etc are also susceptible.
Birds seem to be resistant to anthrax.
How does anthrax spread in animals?
Outbreaks of anthrax tend to occur in association with climatic and weather features such as
heavy rainfall, flooding and drought. In anthrax prone areas, the close grazing of animals of
fresh shoots of grass after rainfall often leads to outbreaks of the disease due to the ingestion
of organisms picked from contaminated soils. During severe outbreaks, biting flies may transmit
the disease from one animal to another but this is a very minor mode of transmission. The
principal mode of transmission is ingestion of infective micro-organisms. Non-biting blowflies
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may contaminate vegetation by depositing vomit droplets after feeding on a carcass infected
with B. anthracis. Animals feeding on such vegetation then become infected. Wild carnivores
become infected through the consumption of infected animals that have died from anthrax.
Outbreaks of anthrax have been reported in animals (mainly pigs) after ingestion of feedstuffs
containing meat and bone meal based concentrates originating from carcasses contaminated
with anthrax bacterial spores.
How does anthrax manifest itself?
The incubation period of anthrax is 3-7 days with a range of 1-14 days.
A common feature of anthrax is that animals in apparently good condition die suddenly without
showing overt signs of ill health. Acute cases in cattle, sheep and wild herbivores are
characterized by fever, depression, difficult breathing and convulsions. Animals may die within
2-3 days if not treated. It is common to see bloody discharges from natural openings such as
the anus and vagina. In few instances, anthrax can manifest itself as a mild disease
characterized by general malaise.
In pigs, the disease is characterised by swelling of the throat, which may cause difficulties in
breathing. In dogs, cats and wild carnivores, the disease resembles that seen in pigs.
What are the signs?
Among cattle and sheep, the period of illness is often so short that the affected animals may be
found dead without signs of illness having been noticed. Nevertheless, anthrax is not always
rapidly fatal to cattle and sheep, and an affected animal may be ill for several days before
death occurs. Any of the following symptoms may be observed: high temperature, shivering
and twitching, harsh dry coat, fits, bright staring eyes, colicky pains, dejection, refusal of food,
and marked decrease or complete loss of milk. Occasionally a small trickle of blood from the
nostrils is visible and there may also be blood in the dung.
In pigs and horses the disease is usually fatal, though less quickly than in cattle. In both of
these animals a hot, painful swelling in the regions of the throat may be present, but the
absence of such a swelling does not rule out the possibility that death may have been due to
anthrax. In horses, symptoms of acute colic are frequently seen. Pigs may simply go off their
food for a day or so, but the variation in symptoms they show is very great indeed. Any sudden
or unaccountable death in farm stock should always raise suspicion of anthrax.
When a fatal case of anthrax occurs in a herd of cattle, it frequently happens that some of the
other animals have a latent infection and recover. Such cases can be detected by taking the
temperatures of all the cattle morning and evening for a week following the outbreak. It is not
uncommon for pigs to be visibly sick for a few days and recover completely. If these animals
are subjected to severe strain, for example farrowing, during the weeks following the attack,
they may relapse and die.
How is anthrax diagnosed in animals?
In areas prone to this disease, anthrax should be suspected in any animals that die suddenly. A
veterinarian should therefore be called in to rule out anthrax before the dead animal(s) are
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handled by others. Animals suspected to have died from anthrax are not opened for post
mortem examination. The reason for this is that the tissue form of anthrax bacterium on coming
into contact with air (oxygen), changes to the environmentally resistant spores which then
serve as the means for re-infection of susceptible hosts. The diagnosis of anthrax is made by
making blood smears on a microscope slide from superficial blood vessels or natural openings
of dead animals and staining the slide with a suitable stain. The slide is examined using a
simple light microscope for typical morphology of the anthrax bacilli. The anthrax bacterium in a
dead animal, hide, skin, wool, soil, etc. can be detected by growing the micro-organism in
artificial media. More sophisticated laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
are also available for a rapid diagnosis of anthrax.
Anthrax must be differentiated from other conditions that cause sudden death in animals such
as clostridial infections, plant or chemical poisoning, bloat, lightening stroke, fevers caused by
ticks, and other disease conditions.
What measures can be taken to control anthrax in animals?
In view of the fact that anthrax is often fatal in domestic animals, a preventive vaccination
strategy should be adopted by annual vaccination of susceptible animals (usually cattle, sheep
and goats) in areas prone to the disease. This is usually done 2-4 weeks before the onset of
known period of outbreaks.
In situations where animals show clinical signs of the disease, antibiotic treatment is
recommended for sick and exposed animals. Other measures to be adopted in addition to
immunization and treatment are:

Enforcement of quarantine regulations.

Prompt disposal of dead animals, bedding and contaminated materials by incineration
or deep burial.

Disinfecting of pens, stables and contaminated equipment and areas.

Control of scavengers that feed on animals that have died from anthrax because of the
possibility of spread of infection.

Observation of general hygiene by people who have come in contact with diseased or
dead animals.
What type of vaccine is used in controlling anthrax in animals?
The non-encapsulated Sterne strain vaccine is used. This live attenuated vaccine is incapable
of causing clinical disease but produces immunity (protection) against the disease. A single
vaccination produces an immunity that lasts for an average of 9 months. Annual vaccination of
susceptible animals is sufficient to control outbreaks of anthrax in defined localities.
The Sterne vaccine strain is not hazardous to humans. Consequently, no specific protective
measures (e.g. vaccination) are prescribed for those who handle this vaccine such as
veterinarians, veterinary technicians and farmers.
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Can Anthrax affect humans?
Yes, there is a skin condition, but this can usually be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
- Anthrax is an old disease of humans and animals.
-It is not contagious; that is, it is not easily transmitted from person to person.
-However, one reason it causes concern is that the spore form of the bacterium can persist in
the environment for a long period of time if conditions are favourable.
-Humans may develop localized skin lesions or cutaneous anthrax (malignant carbuncle) from
contact of broken skin with infected blood or tissues, or acquire the highly fatal form from
inhalation of spores (wool sorters' disease).
-Humans may also acquire the intestinal form by consuming poorly cooked contaminated meat.
Are there any precautions we can take on our farm?
The flesh, blood, offal’s and discharges from an anthrax- infected carcase are full of anthrax
germs, and thus dangerous to animals and humans.
Consequently, an ailing animal to which the slightest suspicion might be attached must not be
killed and bled. It should be isolated and the Divisional Veterinary Manager (or the police)
informed. Similarly, when an animal is found dead under suspicious circumstances, it should
not be moved, skinned, or in any way cut or opened. Animals, vermin and poultry must be kept
away from it and the Divisional Veterinary Manager (or the police) informed. Any blood, which
may have escaped from the body, should be immediately and thoroughly mixed with a large
excess of a Defra approved disinfectant. This will destroy the anthrax organisms before they
have time to form spores. This is most important as spores are very resistant to all destructive
elements and may survive for years, constituting a continuing danger to livestock.
Animals that have been in contact with a suspected animal should be watched carefully and
isolated at once if they show similar symptoms. This is particularly necessary if cows in milk
are affected. This milk may on rare occasions contain anthrax bacilli and thus could infect
human beings.
Can Anthrax be cured?
Treatment is seldom possible for animals infected with anthrax because of the rapid and fatal
course of the disease once symptoms become apparent. However, if time permits, antibiotic
drugs may be used with good effect. If animals are likely to be continually exposed to infection,
for example by grazing over infected pastures, vaccination with anthrax spore vaccine may be
considered and applied for through the local Divisional Veterinary Manager.
This vaccine is safe to use and protects the animals for six months or more. Animals remain in
a susceptible state for about ten days after vaccination, and should be isolated as far as
possible from contact with possible sources of infection during this period.
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When the circumstances appear to warrant treatment with antibiotics or vaccine, a veterinary
surgeon should be consulted.
Disease control measures
How is the disease controlled/What happens when a suspect animal is found?
The owner of a suspected animal or carcase must by law report the fact to the Defra Divisional
Veterinary Manager. The owner is not expected to diagnose the disease, but he ought to know
enough about the disease to suspect it. All owners and stockmen should make themselves
familiar with the symptoms, and call in a veterinary surgeon as early as possible; they should
never ask another stock-owner to look at the suspected animal.
A Defra Veterinary Officer (VO) makes an investigation. If signs suggest Anthrax is present, the
VO will sign a Form A notice which prohibits the movement of animals etc on or off the
premises concerned and arrange for sample material from the affected animal(s) to be sent for
testing and diagnosis.
What measures are taken to prevent the further spread of disease?
After completion of carcase disposal a thorough preliminary disinfection of the premises is
carried out.
7.
Additional Information Sources
There is a range of information available to Devon County Council, the farming community and
the general public in relation to Anthrax.
It is essential that local authorities maintain an awareness of the information issued by central
government at all times. LACORS will also maintain up to date information specifically for local
authorities.
www.lacors.gov.uk
Defra biosecurity guidance for visitors to premises with poultry or farmed animals
http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/ViewDocument.aspx?docID=15594 &docType=C
Other Specific Information
Defra - Anthrax General
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/anthrax/index.htm
Defra – Anthrax Legislation
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/anthrax/index.htm#legislation
Defra – General Biosecurity
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/managing-disease/advice/biosecurity.htm
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Defra – Approved Disinfectants
http://disinfectants.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Location=None&module=ApprovalsList_SI
Below is the link to a slide show put together by a local authority that had a suspected case of
Anthrax in 2009 and the lessons and tips they learnt at the time.
..\..\ANTHRAX Tips.ppt
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