Anthrax is spread all over the world, especially in pastoral areas such as South America, Asia and Africa. It is endemic and is a natural source of disease. In recent years, as the fur processing of various countries in the world is concentrated in cities and towns, anthrax has also broken out in cities, becoming one of the important occupational diseases.
1. Source of infection
Diseased cattle, horses, sheep, camels and other herbivores are the main source of human anthrax infection. Pigs can be infected by swallowing green fodder; dogs, wolves and other carnivores can be infected by swallowing diseased animal meat and become a secondary source of infection. The secretions and feces of patients with anthrax are also infectious.
2. Transmission route
Human infection with Bacillus anthracis is mainly through industrial and agricultural methods. Contact infection is the main route of the epidemic. Direct skin contact with sick animals and their fur is most susceptible to infection. Inhalation of dust and aerosols with a large number of anthrax spores or eating contaminated meat can cause pulmonary anthrax or intestinal anthrax respectively. Using an unsterilized brush, or being bitten by insects with bacteria, can occasionally cause disease.
3. People who are susceptible
Mainly depends on the degree and frequency of exposure to pathogens. Because of their occupations (farmers, herders, veterinarians, slaughterhouses, fur processing factory workers, etc.), young adults have more chances to come into contact with sick animals, their fur and excrement, dust with spores, etc., and their incidence is also higher.