How dangerous is Anthrax?

Bacillus anthracis is listed as a Tier 1 agent from the Center of Disease Control. This means that this disease presents one of the greatest risk of potential bioterrorism with the potential for mass casualties.

Why would this be used as a weapon?

There are three good reasons on why bioterrorists would most likely use this disease as a weapon.
  1. Anthrax spores can be easily found in nature or produced in a lab and it can last for a long time in the environment.
  2. This disease can be released silently without any notice. These spores can be put in powders, sprays, food, etc. and since they are so small, they won't become detected easily.
  3. Anthrax has unfortunatly been successfully used as a weapon in the past.

Who is at risk?

Most people will never come in contact of anthrax in their lifetime, but there are many different activities and professions that can put people at a higher risk.
    Those include...
  1. People who handle animal products
  2. Veterinarians
  3. Livestock Producers
  4. Travelers
  5. Laboratory Professionals
  6. Mail Handlers/Military Personnel/Response Workers(Those exposed to bioterrorism)