“Anthrax” is the clinical manifestation of disease caused by a spore-bearing bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is a highly contagious disease of primarily herbivores, although all mammals are susceptible. Under natural conditions omnivores, carnivores and humans are considered incidental hosts. In herbivores it is usually characterized by sudden death and the presence of the causal agentin the body fluids towards the terminal phase of the disease. In the less susceptible hosts it can be preceded by subcutaneous swellings. The principal lesions are those of widespread oedema, haemorrhage and necrosis.