Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

What is a significant symptom of anthrax in cattle?

1. Chronic cough

2. Hemoglobinuria

3. Persistent diarrhea

4. Skin lesions

The correct answer is: Hemoglobinuria

Hemoglobinuria is indeed a significant symptom of anthrax in cattle. In cases of anthrax, the bacterium Bacillus anthracis causes severe damage to the bloodstream and tissues, leading to the rapid breakdown of red blood cells. This results in the release of hemoglobin into the urine, which can manifest as a dark or reddish discoloration, known as hemoglobinuria. In addition to hemoglobinuria, other acute clinical signs of anthrax can include sudden death, high fever, and swelling at the site of infection or injection. However, hemoglobinuria is particularly noteworthy as it is a direct result of the disease's effect on the blood system. Chronic cough, persistent diarrhea, and skin lesions may be associated with other diseases or conditions but are not characteristic symptoms of anthrax in cattle. Chronic cough is often seen in respiratory infections, while persistent diarrhea could indicate gastrointestinal disorders. Skin lesions might be present in cutaneous anthrax but are less common in the systemic infections typically observed in cattle. Therefore, hemoglobinuria stands out as a hallmark symptom specifically associated with anthrax infection in cattle.