A severe anthrax outbreak in Umzingwane has wiped a herd of 55 cattle and left thousands of other animals at risk of contracting the deadly disease.

48 people have also been treated of anthrax in the district.

Despite the severity of the situation that puts cattle, small livestock and people at risk, the Veterinary Services Department does not have vaccines to contain the situation and farmers are sourcing on their own.

The district has since been quarantined to curb the spread of the disease, according to Matabeleland South Provincial Veterinary Officer, Dr Mbuso Moyo.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care said they successfully treated all the 48 people who were infected with anthrax, adding that they are currently adequately resourced to manage the disease.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and all the confirmed cases have been successfully treated,” said Dr Gladwin Muchena, the Matabeleland South Provincial Epidemiology and Disease Control Officer.

Matabeleland South Provincial Civil Protection Department Vice Chairperson, Assistant Commissioner Hosiah Mukombero, said as part of control measures, checkpoints have been set up across the province to ensure that contaminated meat and meat products do not find their way into the market.

The people of Umzingwane have also been warned against slaughtering livestock until the disease has been contained.

The Veterinary Services Department requires at least 20 000 doses of anthrax vaccine and 500 litres of fuel to successfully tackle the disease. Source: zbc