Anthrax is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is most common in wild and domestic herbivores (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelope) but can also be seen in people exposed to tissue from infected animals, to contaminated animal products, or directly to B anthracis spores under certain conditions.
Anthrax can have several different clinical presentations. In herbivores, anthrax commonly presents as acute septicemia with a high fatality rate, often accompanied by severe hemorrhage. In dogs, people, horses and pigs, it is usually less acute, although still potentially fatal.
Resources
The Merck Veterinary Manual: Overview of Anthrax
Anthrax: A Guide for Livestock Producers
Center for Food Security & Public Health (CFSPH): Anthrax
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Basic Anthrax Information
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE): Anthrax Fact Sheet