Published: 2014 January 10 11:09:10 (6923 Views)

FEW people are aware of the adverse effects of anthrax, a highly contagious disease of domestic animals, which can also affect humans.

The disease can wipe out an entire herd of cattle if not vaccinated and the affected animals quarantined.
The recent anthrax outbreak in Makoni district which broke out during the festive season last year is a cause for concern.

At least 40 cases have been recorded so far and the numbers are increasing daily. The first case was reported on 20 December.

On Monday a team of veterinarians was dispatched to Makoni to investigate the root cause of the outbreak and disinfect the affected areas.

The Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Simon Nyadundu, on Monday, however, revealed that the outbreak is now under control in Makoni, but said another outbreak had erupted in Chipinge.

“In Makoni we are informed that the anthrax outbreak was a result of infected carcasses that were sold to villagers from Rugoyi, Chimbike, Chikuruwo and Karani villages during the festive season last year.

“We have also just received reports from Chipinge where 12 cases of anthrax have been reported, but we are not sure of the root cause yet,” said Dr Nyadundu.

Dr Nyadundu said although veterinarians have already been sent out to investigate and deal with the outbreaks, the control of anthrax is very complex and complicated without the full corporation of villagers.

“The Department of Veterinary Services cannot work in isolation to control the disease.

“We need maximum co-operation from all villagers and farmers because anthrax can wipe out animals from cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, pigs you name it, if an outbreak occurs.”

Dr Nyadundu said anthrax is caused by the bacterium bacillius anthracis. The disease is usually acquired in animals when they drink contaminated water or graze on contaminated pastures.

When the infected animal dies, which can be within two hours shortly after being infected, resistant spores are formed which can survive in the soil for many years thus the need for disinfecting the area.

He said as soon as the carcasses of that infected animal are cut open the blood discharge from the nostrils, mouth and any other tissues can spread the disease.

“People should never cut open the carcass or eat the meat of animals that die suddenly, especially where they suspect anthrax because anthrax is not easily detectable.

“Direct contact with infected animals or inhalation of dust which contains the spores can lead to the contraction in humans, so it is very contagious,” said the PMD.

Although the disease is generally treatable in humans, Dr Nyadundu advised people that would have handled or consumed meat from anthrax infected carcasses to quickly report to the nearest clinic or hospital.

He said the symptoms in humans are usually the formation of sores on the skin, fever and pneumonia, while in the animals it is either sudden death or the animal would be weak and shaky.

He also urged village heads to ensure that in their village there is the annual anthrax vaccinations, usually two to four weeks before the expected seasonal outbreak.

He added that in the event of an outbreak, as in the case of Makoni, there should be vaccination of all animals in the area and restriction of animal movement to old pastures, which could still be contaminated shortly after being disinfected.

“Anthrax has an effective vaccine to prevent the disease which is why the State veterinarians move around seasonally prescribing methods to disinfect areas.

“It can also be prevented if there is the full co-operation of every villager, so that we save the lives of their valuable livestock,” said Dr Nyadundu.

- Manicapost

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