Which statement best describes anthrax in cattle?

Which statement best describes anthrax in cattle?

• A. Most commonly presents as a peracute disease after ingestion or inhalation of spores; bloody discharges from the dead animals contaminate the environment with spores.
• B. Most commonly presents as cutaneous lesions; these lesions progress to septicemia and death.
• C. Affects usually adult cattle in good condition; they often have hemoglobinuria before death.
• D. Is rare because cattle are fairly resistant; peracute disease can occur after exposure to large doses.

Answer: (A)

In cattle, anthrax is classically a peracute, rapidly fatal disease caused by Bacillus anthracis spores that are inhaled or ingested. Animals may die suddenly with little to no warning; when signs are present, they’re rapid and non-specific, often showing collapse or sudden death. A key point is that carcasses and body fluids can contain and disseminate spores, so death and disposal create environmental contamination that can persist for years if not handled properly. This long-lasting environmental risk is a major feature of bovine anthrax and drives the emphasis on immediate, proper carcass disposal and control measures. The other statements don’t fit the typical bovine presentation: cutaneous lesions are not the usual form in cattle, hemoglobinuria is not a common hallmark, and anthrax is not rare in cattle nor dependent on only extremely large exposures.

In cattle, anthrax is classically a peracute, rapidly fatal disease caused by Bacillus anthracis spores that are inhaled or ingested. Animals may die suddenly with little to no warning; when signs are present, they’re rapid and non-specific, often showing collapse or sudden death. A key point is that carcasses and body fluids can contain and disseminate spores, so death and disposal create environmental contamination that can persist for years if not handled properly. This long-lasting environmental risk is a major feature of bovine anthrax and drives the emphasis on immediate, proper carcass disposal and control measures. The other statements don’t fit the typical bovine presentation: cutaneous lesions are not the usual form in cattle, hemoglobinuria is not a common hallmark, and anthrax is not rare in cattle nor dependent on only extremely large exposures.