Anthrax is a disease of grazing animals caused by bacteria that can infect humans.
Currently, naturally occurring anthrax is not a problem in the U.S., even in animals, because they are routinely vaccinated. However, the disease is more common in poorer farming regions of the world. People who work with animals or animal products in these areas are at risk of acquiring the disease. Fortunately, because the disease does not spread directly from person to person, human epidemics rarely occur naturally. Antibiotics usually cure anthrax of the skin.