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Anthrax is present in the environment and can cause disease in livestock and wild animals.
This report summarizes an investigation of a farm family that consumed meat from a steer that had been infected with Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax. The animal was slaughtered on the farm and did not enter the public meat supply. Public health authorities have recommended that the exposed family members take preventative antibiotics and begin anthrax vaccination. This case re-emphasizes that anthrax is present in the environment and can cause disease in livestock and wild animals. Veterinarians and public health officials should actively consider the possibility of anthrax when dealing with sick livestock.