Anthrax spreads to humans

TWO people from Chipinge were last week admitted at St Peter’s Mission Hospital in Chisumbanje after contracting anthrax as the disease takes its toll on both humans and cattle, The Manica Post has established.

An outbreak of the disease was reported early this month, with the hardest hit areas being those close to the Save Conservancy, where cattle are in contact with wild animals.

The most affected areas include Dakate, Chibuwe, Rimbi, Zamuchiya and Checheche.

Chipinge District Medical Officer, Dr Brian Makumbe, confirmed the two cases in which people contracted anthrax after consuming infected meat.

“I can confirm that two people were admitted at St Peter’s Mission Hospital after contracting anthrax last week. We are still assessing the situation as well as compiling more information on those infected by the disease.

“Animal infection cases are being reported in Dakate, Zamuchiya and Checheche. We will continue conducting awareness campaigns to stop the spread of the disease among villagers,” said Dr Makumbe. A brief survey conducted by The Manica Post revealed that some villagers are selling their infected animals to unsuspecting butchery owners, while some are slaughtering their cattle for consumption to avoid heavy losses.

Manicaland provincial veterinary officer, Dr Charles Guri could not comment on the issue, referring all questions to a Dr Ndlovu at their head office in Harare.

However, repeated calls did not yield any result as the availed number was not being picked.

Chipinge Rural District Council Ward 20 Councillor Charles Mugidho said the Department of Veterinary Services began vaccinating cattle this week. He said some of the infected meat is finding its way into butcheries.

Councillor Mugidho called for a multi-sectorial approach to ban the sale of beef in the affected wards.

“Villagers are selling or slaughtering infected cattle. We need serious awareness campaigns to contain the spread of the disease in both humans and animals.

“There should also be a ban on the selling of beef in all affected areas until the situation is brought under control. We also appeal to the Department of Veterinary Services to roll out more vaccination programmes to help save cattle from anthrax,” said Councillor Mugidho.