A report of cutaneous anthrax in two ranchers in Varamin city, Tehran province

Anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis is a zoonotic disease among humans, domestic and wild animals, and human infection occurs after contact with infected animals or products of infected animals. In humans, the disease may occur in three forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalation. The aim of the present study is to describe cases of human anthrax in order to emphasize the need to raise the level of awareness of livestock farmers and to ensure compliance with safety principles when dealing with sick livestock.

In a flock with 510 sheep in Varamin region, 5 of them died acutely and subacutely. In this flock, two shepherds developed two wounds with a black center on the forearm and finger. After sampling from the wounds, infection with the anthrax bacterium was investigated using Giemsa staining and PCR method .

None of the dead and slaughtered animals showed signs of bleeding from the natural pores of the body. In Giemsa staining, bacilli surrounded by a reddish capsule were observed, which confirmed the infection with Bacillus anthracis by the molecular test.

Conclusions and suggestions:

 Considering that currently, anthrax vaccination is done only in highrisk areas, it is necessary for sheep farmers to be aware of the importance of anthrax and its similarity to the very common disease of enterotoxemia through effective training.