The Hindu : Anthrax: experts begin investigation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 27, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Anthrax: experts begin investigation

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM April 26. A team of experts under the Chief Disease Investigation Officer in the Animal Husbandry Department has begun investigations to confirm the veracity of reports about the incidence of Anthrax disease, at Panachikkadu panchayat in Kottayam district, the director of Animal Husbandry, N. N. Sasi, has informed.

The team will assess the spread of the disease and take precautionary control measures too. Steps have been taken to reach the preventive vaccine to all veterinary hospitals in Kottayam district, an official release said.

The disease shows up in cattle, goats and pigs, with high fever, shivering, lack of appetite, stomach disorder, followed by sudden death. Another prominent indicator of the disease is the flow of dark blood from all body cavities of the carcass.

The disease can be confirmed through blood tests. Post mortem should not be done in the case of an animal suspected to have died of Anthrax.

The vaccine developed by the Veterinary Biological Institute, Palode, is effective against the disease. The disease is under control in the State and except for isolated cases, it is not common in the State. The disease spreads from animal to human beings through careless handling. Animals, which display symptoms of the disease, should be isolated and treated and other animals should be vaccinated.

The carcass of the animal, which is suspected to have died of Anthrax, should be buried according to the instructions given by veterinary doctors, an official release said.

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