Prevention

To prevent infection after being exposed to anthrax spores, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

• A 60-day treatment with antibiotics — ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and levofloxacin are approved for adults and children
• A three-dose series of anthrax vaccine
• In some cases, treatment with monoclonal antibodies — raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab

Anthrax vaccine

An anthrax vaccine is available for certain groups of people. The vaccine doesn't contain live bacteria and can't lead to infection. However, the vaccine can cause side effects, ranging from soreness at the injection site to more-serious allergic reactions.

The vaccine isn't intended for the general public. Instead, it's reserved for military personnel, scientists working with anthrax and people in other high-risk professions.

Avoiding infected animals

If you live or travel in a country where anthrax is common and herd animals aren't routinely vaccinated, avoid contact with livestock and animal skins as much as possible. Also avoid eating meat that hasn't been properly cooked.

Even in developed countries, it's important to handle any dead animal with care and to take precautions when working with or processing imported hides, fur or wool.