Two infected as anthrax spreads to humans

TWO people in Chipinge have been infected with anthrax, amid growing concerns that the public is ignoring medical advice to avoid handling or consuming diseased meat, thereby putting themselves at risk of contracting the zoonotic disease.

Anthrax can cause severe illness in both humans and animals, and those affected are receiving treatment at Chisuma Health Centre.

The disease, which has killed several cattle in the quarantined Chipinge district, first broke out in December last year, thereby prompting the Department of Veterinary Services to launch a major vaccination programme to put the disease under control.

The Veterinary Department was allocated 20 000 doses of anthrax vaccines. About 8 099 cattle have since been vaccinated, against the10 336 that are at risk.

In an effort to control the outbreak, the department has also been mounting roadblocks, intercepting and destroying cattle that are being illegally moved from quarantined areas.

Chipinge District Medical Officer, Dr Ozmore Matekenya confirmed the cases and warned villagers against eating diseased meat.

Dr Matekenya said anthrax is transmitted to humans through either eating diseased meat or handling the wool, hides or bones of infected animals.

He also warned against the consumption of meat from animals that died suddenly, meat obtained via emergency slaughter or meat whose origin is unclear.

Dr Matekenya said although they are carrying out awareness campaigns with the Veterinary Department to ensure that people are well protected from the disease, the manifestation of the disease in humans is an indication that some are not embracing the message.

He said carcases of animals that succumb to anthrax should be disposed safely by officials from the Veterinary Department.

“We have two patients from Chisuma in Chipinge, their wounds resemble anthrax wounds. One of them is 31 years old and he confirmed consuming meat from a cow that is suspected to have died of anthrax. He has developed a scab that has a black centre. The would fits the features of anthrax.

“We took the biopsy samples to Mutare on Monday, and the patients are on medication while we wait for the confirmation of the results. The patients are stable,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a bid to combat the spread of anthrax and foot and mouth disease, the Veterinary Department destroyed Cephas Chigiya’s five beasts that had been illegally moved from Mudzi in Mashonaland East to Buhera without a Veterinary Movement Permit.

Director for Veterinary Fields Services, Dr Jairus Machakwa ordered the destruction of the cattle last week.

The destruction and disposal order reads:“Cephas Chigiya of Munyira Village, Buhera, moved five cattle from Muzezeni Dip Tank in Mudzi District to Mutasa Dip tank in Buhera without a Veterinary Movement

Permit.

“He was denied a permit in Mudzi as the district is under a quarantine and he decided to take a risk, thereby contravening provisions of the Animal Health (Movement of Cattle and Pigs) Regulations, SI 280 of 1984.

“Movement of cattle without the permit is causing animal disease outbreaks in the country, impoverishing a majority of Zimbabwe’s small-holder farmers who should be deriving livelihood from the sale of their livestock.

“Now, therefore, under and by the virtue of powers vested in the Director of Veterinary Services by Section 7, Subsection (3), paragraph (a) of the said Act orders the destruction of the five cattle, and safe disposal of the carcases”.

Farmers are urged to report any sickness or death of their livestock to veterinary officers so that investigations can be carried out with the aim of controlling disease outbreaks and safeguarding public health.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that affects both animals and people, hence the role of veterinary services in safeguarding public health through prevention of the disease.

If an animal dies of anthrax, even when it is suspected, its carcass should not be opened because exposure of the anthrax bacteria to air induces spore formation, contaminates the environment and presents a health risk to people and nearby animals.

The disease is common when grazing is scarce and animals graze too close to the ground, especially after the first rains when the grass is starting to sprout.