IBANDA.The government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries ( MAAIF) has activated emergency response measures following suspected outbreak of Anthrax in Ibanda District .
The a suspected case of Anthrax was on Monday reported at a farm in Birongo 1, Rwambu Parish, Kijongo Sub-county, Ibanda District, western Uganda .
In a statement on Monday , Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, the Permanent Secretary at MAAIF, said seven cattle have died, and four individuals who came into contact with of one of the dead animals have developed skin lesions consistent with cutaneous anthrax.
“These individuals are currently under medical care. Anthrax is a very dangerous zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores capable of surviving in the environment for over a century.
Transmission occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or contact through the skin of infected animals or contaminated materials,” the statement reads in part
Maj. Gen Kyomukama said Ministry teams have conducted joint veterinary and public health investigations, with samples submitted for laboratory confirmation.
“Emergency vaccination has been undertaken at the affected farm, and ring vaccination is ongoing in surrounding areas.
The supervised disposal of the carcasses of dead animals, as well as environmental decontamination are in effect to prevent the spread of the spore. ,”he said ,adding
Community sensitization on anthrax identification, prevention, and reporting is underway,”
Maj. Gen Kyomukama said quarantine restrictions have also been imposed in Kijongo Sub- County to contain the outbreak.
“MAAIF urges farmers and the general public to report sudden animal deaths to your respective district veterinary officers, cooperate with vaccination and movement control teams, avoid handling or consuming meat from dead or visibly sick animals. ,seek medical attention if exposed to dead animals and develop skin sores or fever, purchase meat only from certified slaughter facilities under veterinary supervision and refrain from carelessly opening carcasses to prevent environmental contamination,” he said
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease affecting both animals and humans. It does not spread from person to person but can be contracted through contact with infected carcasses, consumption of contaminated meat, or inhalation of spores from animal by-products.