Emerging Issues

With recent events since Sept 11, concerns about deliberate exposure of people and animals to biological agents have been raised. This web page includes informational pieces to address some of the questions being asked by our clients concerning Anthrax and other animal diseases. The potential for NYS animals to be exposed to agents such as anthrax has been addressed in the letter from Dr John Huntley, a PDF version is available. Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website, is needed to view and print PDF files.

Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website, is needed to view and print PDF files.

Anthrax Disease

Bacillus anthracis is NOT considered endemic in the State of New York.

While other regions of North America sporadically experience natural anthrax outbreaks, natural exposure to anthrax is uncommon in the Northeast. The last natural case in NY was identified near a wool mill in upstate NY in the mid 1980's.

The Animal Health Diagnostic Center has developed procedures and guidelines for Anthrax testing.

Detailed guidelines for diagnosis and sample collection of Anthrax suspect cases.
Detailed guidelines for shipping animals samples for Anthrax testing.
Guidelines for Disinfection for Anthrax

Center for Food Security and Public Health Information

Comprehensive Anthrax Information
Guidelines for Disinfection for Anthrax

The Center for Disease Control, CDC has up to date information about the Anthrax disease.

General Anthrax information fact sheetfrom the CDC
Technical Anthrax information fact sheet from the CDC

NYC Department of Health (1-866-881-2809)