Apparently there is an anthrax scare going on in West Texas (animals, not humans), spread by horseflies, so the story goes.
Assuming this to be true:
What is the average lifespan of a horsefly?
How long might this go on until the cycle of infection is broken?
I’m working on very sketchy details so the facts might be a little off; general insights will be appreciated.
Sounds like a hoax to me. IANAV, but I’ve never heard of anthrax being transmitted by horseflies or any insect.
Under “How is anthrax transmitted?” on the CDC website is the following:
“Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.”