Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Anthrax is caused by the bacterium bacillus anthracis . It is a disease of sheep, cattle, horses, goats, and swine. Human infection, though rare is an occupational disease of farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers.
Cutaneous anthrax is transmitted through a break in the skin.
Infection produces a localized skin lesion with tissue death resulting in a black necrotic eschar . From the localized lesion infection may spread through the bloodstream and cause sweating , fever , chills, shock, cyanosis, and collapse. The incidence is 1 out of 100,000 people. The objective of treatment is to cure the infection with antibiotics. Penicillin or tetracycline are used for mild cutaneous disease.