Anthrax Testing

For centuries lime-based plaster has been reinforced with the use of hair from horses, goats, cows and oxen. Hair products imported into this country pre-1919 may have been taken from animals infected with anthrax.

Anthrax bacteria from spores can be very persistent and can remain in plaster and soil for many years.

The likeliest form of contracting the disease can arise from contact with spores directly into a skin wound.

Therefore, this needs to be considered when undertaking work elements with lime-based hair plaster or where potential contamination exists within the soil.