Anthrax is an infection by bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, usually transmitted from animals.

Anthrax causes skin, lung, and bowel disease and can be deadly.

Anthrax is diagnosed using bacterial cultures from infected tissues.

There are four types of anthrax: cutaneous, inhalation, gastrointestinal, and injection.

Anthrax is treated by antibiotics.

Pulmonary anthrax is often lethal.

It is possible to prevent anthrax.

Sadly, the greatest threat of anthrax today is through a bioterrorist attack.

Federal, state, and local agencies are working hard to deal with this bioterrorist threat.