Normally found in sheep, cattle and horses, it can be transmitted to humans who come into contact with infected animals or their products. Humans can acquire the disease through skin contact with the bacteria, or by inhaling spores found in sheep's wool. For this reason people who regularly work with such animals are vaccinated. In biological warfare missiles explode, releasing a cloud of anthrax spores on the population under attack. Symptoms of illness resulting from inhalation of the spores would differ from those expected after skin contact with or ingestion of the bacteria.
Gas masks protect against inhalation.
Between one and six days after inhalation, the spores cause a gradual onset of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, discomfort in the chest, and possibly a dry cough. There is a licensed human anthrax vaccine, consisting of a series of six doses over a period of 18 months, with yearly boosters. The first shot must be given at least four weeks before exposure to the disease. But Rahav does not recommend that the authorities vaccinate the entire Israeli population against the disease, since the risk is so small and the cost so great. In addition, there hasn't been much experience with its use among a general population, and a mass campaign could cause significant side effects, Rahav says.