Anthrax outbreak in Gwanda

Nokusa Masuku Chronicle Reporter
At least 25 head of cattle have died due to an anthrax outbreak in Gwanda. Matabeleland South provincial officer in the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Enart Mdlongwa yesterday told Chronicle that the outbreak was first detected in the Zhukwe area three months ago.
Dr Mdlongwa said the department had warned people in the area not to eat livestock killed by the disease and moving cattle in and out of the affected area.

“We’ve quarantined the affected area and vaccinated animals against anthrax. The public should report to us if livestock die from anthrax. They mustn’t eat the meat because they will fall sick and might die if they do not seek treatment early,” said Dr Mdlongwa.

Anthrax was last detected in Zhukwe area in 1972. Dr Mdlongwa said anthrax is usually activated by floods and droughts that take place in an area.

“We have alerted the Ministry of Health and some stakeholders who deal with infectious diseases in animals in containing the disease,” said Dr Mdlongwa.

Anthrax is an infection caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria make spores, a form of the germ covered by a protective shell. The spores can live for years in the soil and they cause anthrax when they enter the body.

It is a very serious disease in livestock because it can potentially cause the rapid loss of a large number of animals in a very short time.

Anthrax can be fatal to both people and livestock. Humans can contract it through eating meat from infected animals or when they are exposed to the spores.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Paul Chimedza recently said there is no report of a person being treated for anthrax in the country.