Translation guide
A serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, affecting livestock and sometimes humans. In Japanese, the disease is referred to with specific medical terms, and the bacteria may be mentioned separately.
anthrax (disease)
anthrax bacteria
Referring to the illness in humans or animals
Standard medical term for anthrax. Used in formal and clinical contexts.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease.
Literally 'anthrax disease'. Slightly more explicit, but less common than 炭疽 alone.
An outbreak of anthrax was reported.
Referring to the causative agent
Specifically the anthrax bacterium. Used in scientific and news contexts.
Anthrax bacteria form spores.
Referring to anthrax used as a biological weapon
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers may not be familiar with the term 炭疽. In news or medical contexts, it is well understood. For general audiences, you might need to explain it as a serious bacterial infection.
The possibility of an anthrax attack was investigated.