Anthrax outbreak in Gujarat

Nandol (Gujarat), June 5 (ANI): The death of 23 sheep believed to be due to the deadly disease of anthrax at Nandol village in Dahgam Taluk sub-division of Gandhinagar district has created panic among the livestock owners.

"A livestock farm reported death of 23 sheep out of 150. Hence we took the samples to the laboratory and found the suspected bleeding from the nose of the animal to be a case of confirmed anthrax," said M B Patel, Para-medical staff of Veterinary Department.

However, Dr. Kamlesh Trivedi, a veterinarian in the Dahgam Taluka said that the Gandhinagar district administration has assured that it will take all possible preventive measures to counter the disease.

"In surrounding villages we have surveyed animals and also humans have been surveyed by the Health Department and no case has been found in the past two days. But continuous and constant watch has been made by us and will be continued for the coming 10 to 15 days covering six to seven villages," he added.

He also said that the vaccination of animals has been carried out and people have been asked to dispose of infected animals, if any, in a proper and systematic way.

Fast-spreading spore-borne disease, Anthrax mainly affects wild and domestic lower vertebrates like cattle, goats and other herbivores, but can also infect humans.

When anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their products.

Those infected will have nausea, vomit, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and weakness.

Anthrax, mainly a disease of farm animals, is spread by spores. Fatality rate without quick antibiotic treatment after inhaling the spores is as high as 80 per cent. (ANI)