Detection of anthrax spores in endemic regions of northern Canada

Abstract

Aims: To determine the level of anthrax spore contamination in endemic regions of northern Canada between outbreaks.

Methods and results: Bacterial endospores were extracted from specimens via flotation and cultured on selective PLET medium. Of 588 environmental specimens collected, 11 (1.9%) contained viable anthrax spores.

Conclusion: High environmental concentrations of anthrax spores in northern Canada appear limited to scavenger faeces and anthrax carcass sites. Burial and cremation appear equally effective at removing anthrax spores from the immediate environment, though cremation may be improved by re-burning cremation sites containing unburned animal hair.

Significance and impact of the study: This study describes an effective anthrax spore detection system. It provides the first bacteriological evidence that mammalian scavengers can disseminate anthrax spores in northern Canada, and its results may be compared with future environmental studies of untreated anthrax carcass sites to help improve government response plans.