The spores can survive for long periods of time in certain soils, in animal products such as hair, hides and wool, and in feeds and fertilisers prepared from animals that died of anthrax. In humans, the disease occurs in one of two forms. These begin as small red swellings which later develop into black depressions. The case fatality rate of untreated skin infection is between five and 20 percent. Inhalation of infective material causes pulmonary anthrax with flu-like symptoms.
Infection acquired by inhalation can be rapidly fatal.
With effective antibiotic treatment few deaths occur. There is no evidence of spread of the infection from person to person. The USA manufactures a vaccine for anthrax, but this is not registered in Australia. The vaccine can, however, be imported by special arrangements when it is needed. An annual booster is required to maintain ongoing immunity.