Environmental contamination with spores is most likely to occur after which presentation of anthrax in cattle?

• A. Peracute respiratory illness
• B. Death with bloody discharges from body openings
• C. Cutaneous lesions
• D. Mild fever with nasal discharge

Answer: (B)

Environmental contamination with Bacillus anthracis spores is driven by how the carcass releases infectious material into the surroundings. When cattle die from a fulminant septicemia with bleeding from natural openings, large amounts of blood and body fluids enter the soil and environment. This creates a powerful source of spores that can persist in the ground for years, spreading the organism to other animals that graze there or come into contact with contaminated soil. The other presentations involve far less release of blood and fluids into the environment, so they contribute far less to environmental spore load. Proper handling and disposal of carcasses—burning or deep burial—are essential to minimize this environmental contamination.