Anthrax: 11 diagnosed in Rangpur, experts urge not to slaughter sick animals
Primarily a disease of herbivores, anthrax is often fatal for livestock and can spread to humans through contact with infected animals, handling contaminated hides, bones, or wool, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, and even inhalation of spores
Eleven people have been diagnosed with anthrax in Kaunia, Mithapukur, and Pirgacha upazilas of Rangpur, raising public concern in the surrounding areas. Experts have advised people not to panic but to remain cautious and strictly avoid slaughtering sick domestic animals.
According to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR), anthrax, a deadly zoonotic disease, poses a serious threat to both humans and animals in Bangladesh, particularly in the northern districts.
Primarily a disease of herbivores, anthrax is often fatal for livestock and can spread to humans through contact with infected animals, handling contaminated hides, bones, or wool, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, and even inhalation of spores.
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The incubation period ranges from 1 to 20 days, and though human infections are less common, delayed diagnosis can be fatal.
"Slaughtering sick cows or goats can spread anthrax. Our advice to everyone is not to slaughter sick animals and not to come into contact with them. This is not a matter of fear, rather of caution. People should not panic but stay alert," said Dr Ahmed Nawsher Alam, principal scientific officer at IEDCR, while speaking to The Business Standard.
Dr M Mushtuq Husain, public health expert and former advisor of IEDCR, also told The Business Standard, "To remain safe from anthrax, sick cattle, goats, or any domestic animals must not be slaughtered. They should receive treatment, and if they die, they must be buried deep underground. Under no circumstances should dead animals be thrown into canals or wetlands."
Anthrax symptoms include fever, round skin lesions resembling ulcers, and sometimes itching. Treatment is available at upazila health complexes with antibiotics and lotions. Therefore, experts emphasise precaution over fear.
IEDCR said this is the first time anthrax has been detected in Rangpur. The Department of Livestock is currently vaccinating animals in the affected areas.
According to IEDCR, anthrax is endemic in Bangladesh, with sporadic outbreaks reported every year since 2010. In 2019, the institute initiated active anthrax surveillance in nine upazilas of five districts - Sirajganj, Pabna, Meherpur, Tangail, and Rajshahi - based on previous outbreaks.
