The lethal dose is minute. The toxin acts by preventing the passage of nerve impulses to the muscles and death occurs by respiratory arrest. Anthrax is an animal disease and humans normally become infected by contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. A biological warfare attack with anthrax spores would cause inhalational anthrax. Anthrax produces a toxin that depresses the central nervous system and interferes with its ability to send out respiratory impulses.
Respiratory distress occurs followed by cessation of breathing and cardiac arrest.
The incubation period is one to five days. The ADF will provide the best possible protection currently available against the threat of chemical and biological weapons for its personnel going to the Gulf. This includes a range of vaccinations and medications with activity against a number of specific disease threats. All vaccines have a small failure rate and they also require a lead time from first vaccinations to maximum effectiveness. The risk of inadequate protection against NBC agents is greater than the risk of complications associated with the use of vaccines.