adminLuthando Mapepa
At least 12 people have been admitted in hospital at St Peter’s Hospital in Checheche after eating anthrax-infected meat while nine beasts have died because of the disease.
Anthrax cases have been recorded in some parts of Chipinge, particularly in wards 24 and 25.
The district Ministry of Health and Child Welfare has confirmed the cases and added that some victims have failed to report the cases in time and this had precipitated the spread of the disease.
In an effort to avoid the spread of the disease, the police will carry an inspection of the area to stop the transportation of meat from those affected in the district. During the meeting last week chaired by assistant district administrator Mr Mavhiza, all stakeholders agreed to step up awareness campaigns in the affected areas and the neighbouring wards.
Mr Saungweme, an official from the Veterinary Services Department, said that people in the affected area were in the habit of slaughtering any sick-looking beast for meat which was one of the reasons the disease was spreading fast.
“We are currently educating the communities on the best methods of immediately stopping the spread of the disease. The communities are discouraged from the practice of burning contaminated meat and hides since this multiplies the anthrax bacteria,” he said
He added that specific types of detergents such as chloride of lime have to be used in the disposal of the meat and the hides.
Online Reporter