What is Anthrax and how is it transmitted? Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming "bacterium bacillus." Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores), but can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or when spores are used as a bioterrorist weapon. There are three forms of Anthrax. One form of Anthrax is gastrointestinal anthrax, which usually occurs after the consumption of contaminated meat that has been infected with the anthrax bacterium. Another form of anthrax is cutaneous anthrax. This type of anthrax occurs when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin. The third form of anthrax, known to be the most fatal one of all, is inhalation anthrax, which occurs when the bacterium is inhaled. In an article in McWhorter, the author states, "Inhaled anthrax can be...