Anthrax Spread, Six Indonesians Affected

VIVAnews – Six residents of Sabu Raijua District, East Nusa Tenggara, were reportedly in serious condition after consuming carcasses of anthrax-ridden cows in the wake of anthrax outbreak. Over a week, 56 cows were dead of the disease.

Head of East Nusa Tenggara Province Animal Husbandry Bureau Samuel Rebo said that the government has deployed a team to Sabu island in order to identify the outbreak and treat the cattle infected by the deadly bacteria.

"The team will carry on with mass vaccination over livestock in the region so that the bacteria will not cause further infection toward healthy animals," said Samuel Rebo in Kupang, Thursday.

According to Samuel, the Animal Husbandry Bureau urged people to avoid consuming cow carcasses as it may lead to death.

"If there's a dead cow, it should be buried," said Samuel. He said Sabu Raijua District is one of the anthrax endemic areas.

"To avoid anthrax from spreading to other regions, Raijua Sabu District is closed for cattle traffic for the time being," he said. Anthrax incubation period lasts three to seven days with symptoms that are classified into three, namely pre-acute, acute, and chronic.

"Humans can be infected with anthrax germs when they have direct contact with anthrax spores, eat contaminated food or inhale anthrax spores," said Samuel.

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Coverage by: Jemris Fointuna | Kupang