Anthrax has not been diagnosed in SA for many years, but the risk of an outbreak is heightened with occasional detections in NSW and Victoria as well as isolated outbreaks in WA and Queensland. Anthrax is caused by a bacterium that affects many species including cattle, sheep, goats and humans. The bacterium produces spores when exposed to air that persist in soil for many years. The disease is spread by contact with infected animals or by feed and water that have been contaminated with anthrax spores. An outbreak could be a possible cause of unexplained sudden death in livestock and can affect trading opportunities locally and internationally. More common in
summer but can occur all year round.