Anthrax. 103 



organisms, which, under some conditions it is claimed 

 may regain their virulence. The protection afforded by 

 the vaccination lasts less than a year, hence if cattle are 

 to be turned onto infected pastures, the process of vacci- 

 nation must be repeated yearly. 



The disease is often spread from one place to another 

 by means of infected hides, wool, and bristles. Hides 

 imported into this country have been shown to be the 

 cause of a number of outbreaks. The disease is spread 

 from tannery refuse which is usually turned into flowing 

 streams. Animals may become infected by drinking the 

 water or by grazing on lands subject to overflow. Epi- 

 demics of anthrax have been caused in this manner in 

 Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. 



The disease occurs in human beings, especially in the 

 case of tannery operators and workers in woolen mills 

 and brush factories. The spores are breathed in or are 

 introduced into wounds. Anthrax is often called ' ' wool 

 sorters" disease in human beings. If the infection is 

 through a wound, a carbuncle usually results, if the in- 

 fection is by way of the lungs the disease is often of a 

 generalized and fatal type. 



The farmer who suspects anthrax amongst his animals 

 can not be too careful. The dead animal should be ex- 

 amined but should be opened only at the place where the 

 carcass is to be disposed of so as to prevent the infection 

 of yards, barns and fields. The person making the ex- 

 amination should see that his hands are free from ab- 

 rasions or cuts. It is helpful to have the hands coated 

 with lard or vaseline. Care should be taken to prevent 

 the contamination of shoes and clothing. The utensils 

 used in the examination should be disinfected at once, 

 preferably by heating them in a fire, or by boiling in 



