Anthrax A Disease of Biowarfare and Public Health Importance

This article reviews the history, biology, life cycle, pathogenicity, virulence, epidemiology and potential of anthrax as a biological weapon. The author suggests that active surveillance, proper animal immunization, and awareness can result in the rapid and accurate diagnosis for treatment and implementation of control strategies to prevent further disease spread. The author concludes that rapid and inexpensive serodiagnosis tests can serve as strong tools for surveillance of anthrax and that active surveillance can minimize the risks of agriculture- or occupation-related anthrax.