<p>Many people associate anthrax with the 2001 outbreak of bioterrorism in the United States, though this attack was merely one of hundreds of anthrax episodes that have plagued the globe since as far back as classical Greek and Roman times. Anthrax is a bacteria that spreads by spores, meaning that it is not necessary for its host to be actively spreading the spores through contact for the bacteria to spread. In fact, the host need not even be alive -- healthy spores of anthrax have been found on long-dead carcasses, allowing for the spread of the bacteria under nearly all circumstances. Anthrax primarily affects domesticated animals and those who work with them; an infection of anthrax was called "Woolsorter's disease" by some, as it tended to infect those who worked directly and constantly with livestock. These days, many governments have taken severe precautions to reduce and eradicate the anthrax bacteria, using vaccinations on livestock and special treatment of animal waste. Fortunately, anthrax outbreaks are now relatively rare, though because the bacteria is so virulent, any cases are immediately taken care of.</p>