An acute, infectious worldwide zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis to which most animals, especially grazing herbivores, are susceptible. In natural conditions, human infections (predominantly cutaneous) usually result from contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as hides or wool. The awareness of the use of B. anthracis as a bioterrorist weapon has considerably increased. Anthrax is endemic as a zoonosis in many areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, where spores can lie dormant in the soil for many years and commonly affect grazing animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats.