What exactly is anthrax and where does it come from?

Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms resilient spores capable of surviving in soil, animal products, and contaminated materials for decades. Historically, anthrax was associated with livestock and industries handling animal hides, wool, and bone meal. In buildings, contamination is often linked to pre-1950s construction materials, particularly horsehair plaster.