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.