Examination of various goatskin products with attached hair imported from Haiti revealed that a significant number were contaminated with anthrax spores. On April 19, the Quarantine Division of CDC banned further importation of products from Haiti made of untanned goatskin possessing animal hairs. According to a Commission spokesman, local and State health officials were alerted to the potential hazard by CDC and were advised to insure the removal of these products from local stores. The Commission is continuing a search to identify goatskin products from Haiti that may still be within the channels of distribution. If it appears to be necessary, the Commission will take appropriate action to make sure these products are not reaching consumers.
Anthrax is an acute bacterial disease which can be fatal for humans if untreated.
It can be transmitted from a product bearing the anthrax spores through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion of contaminated foods. Anthrax infection is not contagious from one person to another. The disease may start with a blister or pustule and can develop into a depressed area of dead tissue with a dark crust. Fever and other symptoms may not appear until the disease is severe. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.