Anthrax: A Naturally Occurring Threat and a Bioterrorism Agent

July 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Anthrax is a potentially deadly disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. It is a zoonotic disease that is transmissible to humans through the handling or consumption of contaminated animal products.   It has also been used as a bioterrorism agent in the United States.

Anthrax can be found globally in temperate zones, including in the United States.  It is more often a risk in countries with less standardized and less effective public health programs.

Herbivorous wild mammals and domesticated livestock, such as goats, sheep, cattle, horses, and swine, are at highest risk for disease in nature. Animal infections in the United States are reported most often in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Dakota.  These animals usually become infected while grazing on contaminated land, eating contaminated feed or drinking from contaminated water holes. B. anthracis spores can remain viable in soil for many years.

There are three types of anthrax:
•   skin (cutaneous)
•   lungs (inhalation)
•   digestive (gastrointestinal)

Anthrax is classified as a Category A agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Category A agents are those that:
•   pose the greatest possible threat for a bad effect on public health
•   may spread across a large area or need public awareness
•   need a great deal of planning to protect the public’s health

“As dangerous as anthrax is to public health, there are fortunately environmental experts who specialize in identifying the presence of Bacillus anthracis,” reported Brian Mcfarland, Vice President of Legends Environmental Insurance Services, a leading provider of insurance coverage to the environmental industry.  “These professionals help keep society and our way of life safe from both environmental exposure and acts of terrorism.”

Legends recently sponsored an educational video about Bacillus anthracis, it can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iJGmTUdx7c



To learn more about Legends Environmental Insurance Services please visit: http://www.Legends-enviro.com, call (800) 992-6999 or email BrianM@Legends-enviro.com or bill@Legends-enviro.com.

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About Legends Environmental Insurance Services, LLC
Legends Environmental Insurance Services is nationally recognized as an innovator in providing environmental and restoration insurance programs. The company has over 30 years experience providing these services in all 50 states.