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What is anthrax? Anthrax is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can occur in wild and domestic hoofed animals, especially cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and antelopes. It can also occur in humans when they are exposed to the bacterium. There are three forms of anthrax infection: cutaneous (skin), inhalation (lungs), and gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine). If people have been intentionally exposed, as in a bioterrorist release, breathing in the spores …

…wool, bone, hair, and hide. The infection occurs when the bacteria enters a cut or scratch in the skin. Inhalation - Some anthrax infections occur when people breathe in the spores of he bacteria (a spore is the form that certain bacteria take in unfavorable growing conditions. When in better conditions, like the human lung, the bacteria will begin to grow and cause disease). Gastrointestinal - Some people may get anthrax by eating infected meat.