Anthrax

Antrhax, Bacilus anthracis, is a bacterial pathogen. This rod-shaped microbe is commonly found in soil and is ingested by sheep, cows, horses, and goats; thus, it is labeled as a vetrinary disease. Anthrax is what's called a "gram positive" bacterium. This means it has the type of cell walls which are harmless, unlike the cell walls of "gram negative" bacteria, which attack tissue. Therefore, anthrax can only attack tissue by producing a special toxin which …

…less than usual and buying into the media hype/mass hysteria. For the paranoid American, there are a number of "protections" from the "bioterrorism threat" of anthrax. People can buy gas masks which protect against the inhalation of biological agents. Moreover, they can purchase ciproflaxin, an antibiotic that protects against anthrax. Finally, for the overachiever, super-paranoid citizen, there is the Haz-Mat suits, a full-blown body suit that will protect the entire body against biological agents.