Campaign to educate public on anthrax launched

Elita Chikwati Harare Bureau
Government has launched an intensive campaign to educate the public in Matabeleland on the outbreak of anthrax following huge 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 that of the Ministry of Health and Child Care on this project following an anthrax outbreak in Filabusi area, Umzingwane District in Matabeleland South, which left 25 cattle dead and scores of people hospitalised.

Department of Veterinary Services director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Dr Josphat Nyika on Monday said about 41, 000 cattle were at risk of contracting anthrax.

“I can confirm that there’s 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’ll be expecting more of these outbreaks due to the current rains. We’re mobilising resources to vaccinate the cattle at risk,” said Dr Nyika.

“We’ve 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 shouldn’t 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.

Dr Nyika urged farmers to report to the police or nearest veterinary offices any incidents of sudden death of cattle.

“We’re also encouraging farmers to destock in the face of drought.

“Rains have come but the season remains tricky. Farmers should approach veterinary officers to organise cattle sales. We’re strategising on that. At this time of the year farmers need cash for fees and there’ll be direct slaughters because of the festive season,” he said.

Anthrax is an acute disease caused by bacterium Bacillus antracis. The disease can be transmitted through contact with infected meat. Anthrax spores are able to survive in the soil for more than 45 years.

Washing away of the top soil exposes the bacterium to the surface resulting in animals grazing on contaminated grass.