Veterinarians in Ontario should consider anthrax
as a differential diagnosis for cattle that die acutely,
if a very large spleen with soft liquified parenchyma
is found during necropsy (1). Anthrax bacilli form
spores that are highly resistant to most external
influences, including many common disinfectants,
and may remain viable in the soil for decades (1). For
this reason, if anthrax is suspected prior to necropsy,
blood smears taken from peripheral vessels of
the unopened carcass should be examined for
the presence of B. anthracis.