Anthrax Lab Testing
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The disease is most common in cattle and sheep, but can be seen in dogs, horses, pigs and other animals including humans. Outbreaks in the U.S. have been reported during drought conditions and also following large rainfalls and flooding conditions. The most recent diagnosis of anthrax in cattle and sheep at OADDL was 1996-1997. In many outbreaks, infected animals are simply found dead.
Classic signs include rapid bloat, lack of rigor mortis and thick, tarry blood exuding from body orifices. Anthrax is a hemorrhagic disease. Hemorrhagic petechiae are usually seen on tissues such as the sclera, vulva/prepuce, subcutis and mesentery.
Important tips to remember:
- Precautions should be taken when collecting, handling and shipping blood samples from animals suspected of dying from anthrax.
- Postmortem blood is the preferred sample for anthrax testing at OADDL. Entire carcasses should not be submitted due to the health risk it poses to the public and laboratory staff.
- A necropsy should NOT be performed. Do not open or transport carcasses suspected of having anthrax.
- Obtain a postmortem blood sample preferably from the jugular vein. Laboratory diagnosis by culture will require a minimum of 24 hours from the receipt of the sample.
- Triple bag blood specimens prior to delivery or shipment to the laboratory.
- Dispose of the carcass in an appropriate manner. Carcass disposal criteria are available on the Oklahoma Department of Ag, Food and Forestry website.
- The Oklahoma State Veterinarian, Dr. Rod Hall, can provide additional information regarding disposal of animals dying from anthrax.
Further information on Anthrax is available in these publications: