October 18, 2001

Anthrax Threat Over-Emphasized, NDSU Expert Says

Although a cause for concern, the fear of an anthrax attack is being over-emphasized, according to a North Dakota State University expert on the disease.

"Making anthrax so it readily infects humans is not easy," says NDSU Extension Service veterinarian Charlie Stoltenow. He has helped diagnose livestock anthrax outbreaks in the region, consulted with the U.S. military on anthrax and returned last week from a U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored trip to a former Soviet biological weapons laboratory.

"The Soviets spent millions trying to develop anthrax that easily infects humans. The scientists there that worked on the effort say it is very difficult to do," he says.

Anthrax attacks have been limited to high-profile individuals because infecting large numbers of individuals with anthrax is so difficult, Stoltenow. "The targeted anthrax releases seen so far pose little threat to those who were not directly involved. If you’re an ordinary citizen, your chances of contracting anthrax are extremely low. It is estimated that it takes at least 10,000 spores to cause inhalation anthrax," he notes. Anthrax is not passed from human to human.

"The best advice is what’s been offered by health authorities: be cautious and aware of any unusual packages or envelopes and contact law enforcement if you receive a suspicious package," he says.

Stoltenow says individuals who handle large amounts of mail at businesses or public institutions may want to consider wearing a disposable mask to prevent any possible inhalation of spores. Also, those with cuts and abrasions on their hands may want to wear disposable latex gloves. "Washing your hands after opening the mail is always a good idea, not only when you suspect anthrax," he says.

"These cases of sporadic anthrax are a nuisance. If we let ourselves be coerced into being fearful, the terrorists have won," Stoltenow says.

Stoltenow notes that this region is a source of naturally occurring anthrax. Livestock outbreaks occur with some regularity here. The anthrax organism (Bacillus anthracis) is a bacteria that can produce spores, reproductive bodies that are highly resistant to heat, cold, chemical disinfectants and drying. Anthrax spores reside in the soil and can survive for a century or more. The spores can be spread by infected animals or by flooding or any activity that moves or disturbs infected soil.

Last year, when health officials tested individuals as a precaution after a livestock outbreak in North Dakota, several tested positive for the disease even though they’d never knowingly come in contact with the disease or suffered symptoms. "The disease is endemic to this region," Stoltenow says. "It’s just something we’ve always lived with."

There are three forms of the disease.

The cutaneous or skin form occurs when anthrax spores invade a cut or abrasion. Initially the site will itch followed by swelling and discoloration of the affected area. Pain is not usually present. If left untreated, cutaneous anthrax can lead to death. Antibiotic therapy is very effective for this form of the disease.

The respiratory form of anthrax occurs when the spores are inhaled and then infect the lung tissue. Initial symptoms are mild and may resemble having the flu or a common cold. The disease will progress at a rapid rate with shock developing within three to five days, followed shortly by death. Once shock has developed, any therapy is met with limited success.

The intestinal form of anthrax occurs when spores are ingested, primarily from eating contaminated meat. It is a very rare condition and most cases are usually reported from underdeveloped countries where dead animal carcasses are sometimes salvaged for human food. Symptoms include fever, abdominal distress, shock and death.

For more information about anthrax go to the Centers for Disease Control Web site at www.bt.cdc.gov .

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Source: Charlie Stoltenow, (701) 231-7522, cstolten@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu