MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Following the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the north eastern region of the country, farmers bordering Zimbabwe face a new deadly threat.

Dr Piet Loock, Manager Veterinary Public Health and Laboratory Services from the Department of Agriculture, stated this week that Zimbabwe is at present experiencing a serious anthrax outbreak in the southeast region of the country. The dreaded disease is mainly affecting large game species, such as buffalo, in the Chiredzi-Gonarezou area, and farmers on the South African border with Zimbabwe are advised to make sure that their livestock is adequately protected (vaccinated) against the disease. No specifics could be given as to how many animals have died in Zimbabwe to date.

Anthrax is a highly contagious disease which affects domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Animals usually die suddenly without any symptoms of illness.

The disease is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. When animals die of anthrax, and particularly when carcasses are cut open, resistant spores are released which can survive in the soil for many years. A bloody discharge from the nostrils, mouth and anus, as well as the skin, bone and other tissue, is important in the spreading of the disease.

Scavengers, vultures and even flies play an important role in the spreading of these resistant spores. Runoff water can also disperse the spores to pans or dams and create concentrated sources of infection in other areas. The infection is usually contracted from drinking contaminated water, grazing on contaminated pastures or when animals lick contaminated skins, bones, blood or carcasses.

Infected animals may die within 12 hours. They develop a fever and have difficulty breathing. Animals also show signs of muscle tremors and reddening mucous. A fluid containing blood sometimes exudes from the nostrils, mount and anus. In advanced cases, a swelling of the throat and neck is observed.

Farmers should note that great care must be taken when small livestock, especially goats, are vaccinated, as they can have severe reactions to the vaccine. In some cases, vaccination in the neck area can be fatal.

Game farmers are also requested to report any dead game found in the veld to the nearest state veterinarian’s office. In such an event, it is imperative not to cut the carcass open, but to leave it intact until it can be examined by veterinary officials. Wherever possible, farmers should try and protect the carcass against scavengers by covering the carcass with, for example, branches.

As for humans, they become infected after direct contact with affected animals or their products. This can occur through inhaling dust which contains spores or ingesting infected meat. Although people normally contract a coetaneous or skin form of the disease, death may occur in humans as a result of anthrax. Although animals often die before the disease is detected, humans and “resistant” animals, such as pigs, dogs and horses can, however, be treated.