Kasese: Cows die of suspected anthrax
KASESE, January 15, 2024 – Eleven cows suspected to have died of anthrax have been buried in Kasese district to prevent the further spread of the disease in the district.
According to the Kasese District Veterinary Officer [DVO], Yusuf Kibaya, the most affected areas are Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council which is the holding ground, Bulembia Division as well as Central Division, Kasese Municipality.
“We are ensuring that there is enough vigilance to avoid the spread of the disease to the entire population,” Dr. Kibaya said.
About two weeks ago Kasese district launched a fight against the consumption of Sanga meat [meat said to be from Sanga in Kiruhura district] in an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease. It is believed Sanga meat could be of animal that have died of anthrax, or other diseases.
“I call upon the general public to stop consuming Sanga meat to avoid contracting the disease. Sanga meat has no genuine source though it is said to be coming from Sanga. Let’s avoid consuming meat from unknown sources and without clearance from the authorised personnel,” Dr. Kibaya noted.
He said anthrax can be transmitted from animals to people and vice versa.
He mentioned Bukonzo East and West counties as the leading constituencies in Kasese district when it comes to the consumption of Sanga meat.
The reported suspected cases of anthrax has caused panic in Kasese district to the extent that an emergency district taskforce has been formed with the aimed of curbing the spread of the disease to the general population.
The outbreak of Anthrax was confirmed in Uganda on November 29, 2023, by the Ministry of Health, in Kabira, Kasasa and Lwankoni sub-counties in Kyotera district.
The Acting Regional Police Spokesperson for Rwenzori East, Luke Mbusa urged sub-county chairpersons across the district to join the fight against the consumption of Sanga meat , which he said comes from unclear sources.
Anthrax is cause by a bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis , according to Africa Centers for Disease Control [Africa CDC].
Humans acquire the disease either directly or indirectly from the infected animals or occupational exposure to affected or contaminated animal products.
https://thecooperator.news/anthrax-suspected-in-ibanda-district-as-five-people-aare-hospitalised/
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