What a fun thread! My point is why take a chance with old horsehair brushes of unknown vintage....note that treatment needs to be initiated BEFORE symptoms occur in inhalational anthrax! Anyone here ever sniff a shaving brush? I sure have, including this one, unfortunately.

Clinical Presentation of Anthrax1,2

Anthrax InfectionIncubation PeriodSigns and SymptomsLethalityInhalational Ranges from as little as 2 days following exposure to spores to 6 to 8 weeks after exposureInitial symptoms are fever, headache, and muscle aches. If untreated, the disease progresses to shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, shock, and death. Meningitis may complicate the clinical course.

Chest imaging reveals a widening of the mediastinum (the area between the lungs that contain the large vessels, heart, trachea, esophagus, bronchi, and lymph nodes).Historical data suggest that if appropriate antibiotics are not started before development of symptoms, the mortality rate may be greater than 90%. However, in the U.S. anthrax attacks of 2001, 45% of persons with inhalational anthrax died despite supportive therapy.CutaneousRange of 1 to 12 days following exposure; incubation period is typically closer to 1 day
The first symptom is a small sore at the point of infection that develops into a blister and later into an ulcer known as a black eschar. This ulcer is painless and has a depressed, black center.Approximately 20% of persons with cutaneous anthrax may die if not treated with appropriate antibiotics. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, the death rate is approximately 1%.GastrointestinalTypically 1 to 6 days following exposureOropharyngeal: Fever, ulcers in the back of the mouth and throat, severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and lymph node and neck swelling

Intestinal: Initial symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and malaise. The disease may progress rapidly to bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and shock.Without antibiotic treatment, gastrointestinal anthrax results in the death of more than 40% of affected persons.