adminElita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
Government has launched an intensive campaign to educate the public in Matabeleland on the outbreak of anthrax following massive losses of cattle and hospitalisation of more than 45 people as a result of the disease.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development has teamed up with the Ministry of Health and Child Care on this project following an anthrax outbreak in Filabusi, Umzingwani District in Matabeleland South, which left 25 cattle dead and scores of people hospitalised.
Director of Veterinary Services Dr Josphat Nyika on Monday said about 41 000 cattle were at risk of contracting anthrax.
“I can confirm that there is an anthrax outbreak in Filabusi. Anthrax was reported at Mahanka, Muzola and Mawabeni dip tanks in Filabusi.
“During this time of the year, we experience more anthrax outbreaks because of the rains that wash away the top soil and expose spores. We will be expecting more of these outbreaks due to the current rains. We are mobilising resources to vaccinate the cattle at risk,” said Dr Nyika.
“We have launched a joint awareness campaign with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to alert the public to refrain from eating meat from uninspected animals that die from natural causes. All anthrax carcasses should not be opened,” he said.
Signs of anthrax include sudden death of livestock, rapid decomposition of the bloated carcasses and tarry blood coming out of all natural openings,” he said.
Online Reporter