To prevent spread of an outbreak, where possible, dead animals should be burned where they are found dead. An alternative is to bury them at a depth of 10 feet and cover the carcass with lime. The 1984 Carrisa Plains outbreak was associated with movement of an infected band of sheep and dumping the carcasses from this band in several locations. Your state animal health agency can provide helpful advise on disposal of carcasses. Proper carcass disposal is important to prevent surface soil contamination.
Vaccines are available to protect animals in endemic areas or when outbreaks occur.
Always keep in mind that anthrax can cause serious disease in humans as well as animals. Three syndromes are recognized in man. The cutaneous form is usually seen in people who work with animal carcasses, wool, hides or fur. The infections are seen as large, local abscesses often on the hand or finger. These skin infections can spread to the blood stream and cause serious illness or death.