Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis.
A characteristic diagnostic feature is that blood from infected animals is dark, tarry, and fails to clot because bacterial enzymes dissolve fibrin.
Detailed Explanation:
Assertion A:
In anthrax, clot formation does not occur.
The blood remains fluid due to the destruction of the fibrin network, which is essential for coagulation.
Hence, Assertion A is true.
Reason R:
Bacillus anthracis produces fibrinolysin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin.
Since fibrin forms the meshwork responsible for blood clotting, its liquefaction prevents clot formation.
Therefore, Reason R is also true.
Step 2: Relationship between Assertion and Reason:
The absence of clotting in anthrax is directly caused by the action of fibrinolysin on fibrin.
Thus, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Assertion A and Reason R are correct, and Reason R is the correct explanation of Assertion A.
\[
\boxed{(A) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
\]