Anthrax kills 169 cattle

AT LEAST 27 people have been infected with anthrax in Makoni District since the beginning of the rainy season after consuming contaminated meat.

All the victims were successfully treated, while 169 cattle have since died.

Makoni District Administrator, Mr William Mashawa, said the deadly disease was now under control as officials from the Ministry of Health and Childcare as well as Department of Veterinary Services were working flat out to address the situation.

"Yes, I can confirm that there were sporadic cases of anthrax in the district which affected 27 people so far. The affected areas are Mutirwara Village (five people), Chinhenga (two), Maparura (two), Chinyadza (16) and Rugoyi (two). All the victims were treated at their local clinics and discharged.

"The situation is now under control because of early reporting of the cases and the swift response by the Ministry of Health and Childcare and the Department of Veterinary Services. Besides treating patients and infected cattle they are also carrying out educational campaigns in the communities.

"We are warning people to desist from eating meat from animals that die from natural causes, but eat meat from cattle that would have been inspected by the Department of Veterinary Services.

''Burning or deep burial should be done to avoid the risks of contracting the disease.

''Any case of death of animals through natural causes should be reported to the nearest police station, clinic, veterinary officials and traditional leaders," said Mr Mashawa.

Anthrax is a highly infectious and life threatening disease caused by a bacteria that lives in the soil. It affects mainly hoofed animals including cattle.