adminFortunate Gora Mash West Correspondent
THERE are fears of an outbreak of anthrax in Zvimba where villagers are reportedly consuming cattle that have succumbed to the disease.
The affected areas include Kasanze and Chirau villages under Chief Chirau.
Government has provided $30 000 towards the purchase of drugs and management of the disease.
Zvimba district senior veterinary animal health inspector Mr Chemhere Nyamangara confirmed the suspected cases at a stakeholders’ meeting.
“It is worrying that despite efforts to educate people on the dangers of eating meat of an animal that has fallen ill or died due to unknown reasons, people still eat it exposing themselves to danger,” he said.
“People should immediately notify the Department of Veterinary Services whenever they suspect anthrax symptoms both in human beings and in livestock.
We are hearing that some people died in Chirau and cows are being affected by anthrax in Kasanze village,’’ he said.
Mr Nyamagara urged people to burn carcasses of cattle that have died of anthrax.
“We encourage people to avoid opening carcasses of cattle that die of natural causes to reduce contamination of pastures by anthrax,’’ said Mr Nyamangara.
Online Reporter