Cultural and molecular diagnosis of anthrax in bovines

Anthrax is a potential zoonotic disease of both domestic and wild animals caused by Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive bacilli. Several outbreaks are reported every year especially in the Southern districts of Karnataka. In the present study during the period of April to December 2008 three outbreaks suspected for anthrax were recorded in bovines at Chikballapur and Bangalore rural districts of Southern Karnataka. Out of fourteen animals screened 3 animals were found to be positive by cultural examination, animal inoculation and PCR.