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Travelers

Visitors to countries where anthrax is common can get sick with anthrax if they have contact with infected animal carcasses or eat meat from animals that were sick when slaughtered. They can also get sick if they handle animal parts, such as hides, or products made from those animal parts, such as animal hide drums.

Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions of:

  • Central and South America
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Central and southwestern Asia
  • Southern and eastern Europe
  • The Caribbean
Map of the world showing the sections where anthrax can be found in the agriculture regions.

Travelers need to be mindful of what they eat and handle, as well as the souvenirs they bring home. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, and avoid contact with livestock, animal products and animal carcasses. Vaccination against anthrax is not recommended for travelers and is not available for civilian travelers.

If you are traveling to another country, you can learn more about anthrax risks in CDC’s Yellow Book, on the Travelers’ Health website.

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