Question

The carcass of the animal affected with which of the following disease should not be subjected to post mortem examination

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. Anthrax
• C. Foot and Mouth disease
• D. Botulism

Hint:

Exposure of Bacillus anthracis vegetative cells to oxygen triggers sporulation. Keeping the carcass sealed deprives the bacteria of oxygen, causing them to die within the intact tissue.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Zoonotic diseases require biosafety protocols to prevent human infection and environmental contamination during carcass disposal.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Anthrax is an acute infectious zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis.
In the bloodstream of an infected animal, the vegetative cells do not sporulate.
However, if the carcass is cut open during a post-mortem examination, the exposure of the blood to atmospheric oxygen triggers rapid sporulation.
The resulting endospores are highly resistant to heat, desiccation, and chemical disinfectants.
These spores can contaminate the soil and surrounding environment, remaining viable and infectious for decades.
To prevent this risk of environmental contamination and human exposure, veterinary protocols prohibit the autopsy of animals suspected of dying from anthrax.
Instead, the intact carcass must be disposed of immediately by deep burial with lime or incineration.
While Tuberculosis, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Botulism are serious conditions, their causative pathogens do not present the same spore-related environmental hazards during autopsy.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, a carcass suspected of anthrax must not undergo a post-mortem examination.