Anthrax invades a host either through inhalation of anthrax spores while handling infected animals or animal products such as wool, hides or hair, or when spores gain access into the body through a cut or scrape on the skin from such infected materials
Also eating raw or undercooked meat from infected animals and other spore-contaminated foods and drinks may bring about infection with a form of anthrax called gastrointestinal anthrax.
Once spores get into the body, they are activated and become anthrax bacteria, which multiply , spread in the body and produce toxins that cause severe illness.