An outbreak of anthrax has affected eight people in Zvimba district after they ate meat from a cow that died of the disease.
The affected areas are Chirau and Madzorera villages. Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by bacteria that normally affects animals, especially ruminants. Mashonaland West acting provincial medical director Dr Gift Masocha confirmed the anthrax outbreak when contacted by The Herald last week. He said all the eight people, who were diagnosed of subsuternous anthrax that affects the skin and manifests in the form of ulcers, were treated and discharged at Zvimba Rural Clinic. Dr Masocha said the Veterinary Services Department in Zvimba had since burnt two carcasses and some dried meat at Chirau and Madzorera villages.
However, the Zvimba sistrict senior veterinary animal health inspector, Mr Chemhere Nyamagara, said he was not aware of the outbreak.
More: Herald
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