In spite of the government’s claim that the ‘anthrax’ is under its control, the disease has been spreading from one district to another.
At least 30 persons have been detected with anthrax virus in Tangail and Kustia districts during the last two days, weeks after the diseases affected Sirajganj and Pabna districts.
Of the anthrax patients, 16 were detected at Doulatpur Upazila in Kushtia and 14 were detected at Kurmurshi and Mujahati villages under Ghatail Upazila in Tangail.
Our Monitoring Staff adds Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Sharful Alam yesterday told the BBC that the anthrax virus is still under the control of the government.
“The anthrax is such a virus that can survive for 50 years. ….The virus that cannot be eliminated remains spreading in the soil and nature. However, the disease is in our control. We can control wherever it is detected,” he said. The government official rejected spreading of anthrax through transport.Our Sirajganj Correspondent said three more persons were detected with anthrax virus in two villages under Kamarkhand upazila in Sirajganj yesterday increasing the total number of anthrax patients in Sirajganj and Pabna to 161.
The patients identified as Shibani Begum 35, Shanto Mandal, 4, of the village Dhakleshwar and Nice, 11 at Dhopakhali.
Our Kustia Correspondent reports that 16 more people were detected with anthrax at Doulatpur Upazila Health Complex raising the number of infected patients to 193.
The patients were rushed to the hospital after being infected from a diseased goat slaughtered at Dharmadah village of Adabarai union parishad.
The infected persons identified as Liakat Hossain, Mahbubul Islam, Sahara Ali, Sabina Khatun, Ambia Begum, Sahina Khatun, Rabeya Begum, Jahima Bewa, Tohura Begum, Fahima Khatun, Sakhina Khatun, Anzira Begum, Sahara Begum, Amina Begum, Mitan Pramanik, and Kawsar Hossain.
Local people said 20 to 25 goats became ill a few days ago, some of which were slaughtered and the mutton was sold.
Upazila Health Officer Dr Saleh Ahmed rushed to the village and advised local people not be panicked by the disease, treatment of which is available with the government health facilities. He also advised people not to eat meat of any diseased animal.
Our Tangail Correspondent said at least 14 people have contacted anthrax at Kurmurshi village under Ghatail Upazila in Tangail.
The infected were identified as Harun, 30, Khalil, 35, Biplob, 15, Salam, 40, Kader, 30, Rafiqul, 30, Shumon, 20, Rasel, 25, Kadbanu, 55, Rahima, 35, Sabina, 15, Hasi, 7, Jhiad, 4, and Hakim, 30.
Fourteen of those who were involved in chopping and distributing the meat of a cow that has been found to be infected with anthrax.
Director General of Livestock Department Dr Ashraf Ali and Deputy Director (Dhaka Division) Mosaddeque Hossain yesterday visited the affected villages– Kurmurshi and Mujahati villages under Ghatail Upazila.
A total of 1,840 cattle were given anthrax vaccine yesterday in and surrounding areas.
