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.
Referring to the illness in humans or animals
Standard medical term for anthrax. Used in formal and clinical contexts.
炭疽は人獣共通感染症です。
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease.
Literally 'anthrax disease'. Slightly more explicit, but less common than 炭疽 alone.
炭疽病の発生が報告された。
An outbreak of anthrax was reported.
Referring to the causative agent
Specifically the anthrax bacterium. Used in scientific and news contexts.
炭疽菌は芽胞を形成する。
Anthrax bacteria form spores.
Referring to anthrax used as a biological weapon
Common term for anthrax bioterrorism. Often used in news reports.
炭疽菌テロの脅威が高まっている。
The threat of anthrax bioterrorism is increasing.
Literally 'anthrax bacteria attack'. Used in security contexts.
炭疽菌攻撃の可能性が調査された。
The possibility of an anthrax attack was investigated.
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.