Anthrax is a notifiable disease. Fees for tests undertaken to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of anthrax are paid by NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Caution: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, causing serious illness and sometimes death in humans.

Where anthrax is suspected, a post mortem should not be undertaken as it will cause the vegetative forms of Bacillus anthracis to sporulate. These spores will remain a source of infection for long periods.

A diagnosis of anthrax can be made from smears of peripheral blood obtained by cutting the ear of the unopended carcase. Where anthrax is suspected as a result of changes seen at necropsy then impression smears of tissue should be submitted in addition to a range of fresh and fixed tissue to establish an alternative diagnosis if necessary.

Diagnosis

Demonstration of Bacillus anthracis in blood and tissues by microscopy and PCR.

Specimens required

1. Blood smears from peripheral blood vessels eg those in the ear. Smears should be sent from more than one animal. Blood smears should be thin and air-dried.
   Do not fix smears by heat or other agents. One end of the slide must be left clean.
2. A 2cm square portion of the ear (chilled)
   Bacillus anthracis DNA can be extracted from the tissue when no blood or fluid can be expressed from its vessels.
3. From animals other than sheep and cattle, smears from any affected organs, e.g. swellings in throat and lymph nodes of pigs.

NB.
Always clearly label specimens as suspect anthrax. Pack securely and forward separately from other specimens.

Advise the laboratory that you are submitting the samples and place a warning under the lid of the outer packaging. This will ensure special biosecurity precautions are undertaken at the laboratory.