Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacteria and most commonly occurs in wild and domestic herbivore mammals. It's rare to find infected animals in the United States. People can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by breathing in anthrax spores from infected animal products such as wool, hides, leather, or hair. Rare cases of inhalational, cutaneous (skin), and gastrointestinal anthrax have been connected to contaminated imported animal hide drums. Gastrointestinal anthrax can occur after eating undercooked meat from infected animals. Anthrax can also be used as a weapon. This occurred in the United States in 2001 when letters containing anthrax spores were sent through the postal system.
