Missed the part about "so how do we know". Anthrax is a disease that is spread by the inhalation of bacteria spores. It is also possible to contract the disease through a break in the skin, but that is only likely in a slaughterhouse worker or someone that works with hides.<br><br>A large number of people coming down with flu like symptoms that progess relatively quickly and don't respond to routine treatment is what would be seen. Fortunately, the disease is not spread from infected to healthy, so the outbreak would be limited.<br><br>Contrary to your skepticism, I think that the government would be on top of the outbreak for no other reason than to maintain credibility for future terrorist incidents<br><br>Jeffery S. Anderson, M.D.<br><br>