Anthrax is a deadly infectious disease caused by rod-shaped gram-positive bacteria. It is found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals worldwide. Anthrax can make people sick if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Domestic and wild animals can become infected by inhaling or ingesting spores from contaminated soil, plants, or water. Cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, and deer are examples of these animals. In areas where domestic animals have previously been infected with anthrax, routine vaccination can help prevent outbreaks. A number of countries have developed anthrax as a weapon. Infection occurs in herbivorous animals when they eat or breathe in the spores while grazing. Killing and/or eating infected animals can cause animals to become infected. Endospores are dehydrated cells with thick walls and extra layers that form inside the cell membrane. It can remain dormant for many years before resuming growth if placed in a favourable environment. It begins to grow inside the rod-shaped form. Specific species have characteristics such as where the endospore is located within the rod, the size and shape of the endospore, and whether or not it causes the rod wall to bulge out.