Animal hide may be source of anthrax

Scottish scientists believe the source of an anthrax outbreak among heroin addicts may have been an infected animal hide.

Some 14 people died and dozens suffered horrific side-effects over between December 2009 and March 2010 as spores of the rare disease infected drug users in Dundee and Glasgow.

It was the largest non-occupational human outbreak of the disease since records began in 1960, according to a report released by the National Anthrax Outbreak Control Team for Health Protection Scotland.

The report states the strain of anthrax was “closely related” to strains previously seen in Turkish goats.

A total of 119 people are now believed to have been infected with the disease, which can affect the skin, stomach, or lungs.

The report said the contamination probably occurred in or near the country of the drug’s origin, affecting a single batch that was then distributed.