The government will formulate a National Steering Committee tomorrow to streamline its efforts for total control of anthrax infection before the Eid-ul-Azha.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas informed newsmen at his office yesterday about the government’s steps to fight nationwide anthrax threat.
An inter-ministerial meeting comprised of 25 representatives from the livestock, health, environment, home affairs, foreign affairs ministries and Dhaka City Corporation would be held at 11:00am and the committee will be formed following the meeting.
The committee will ensure all the ministries concerned and bodies perform their duties properly regarding the handling and import of cattle and also management of cattle diseases, without solely depending on the livestock ministry.
The health ministry officials said formulation of a taskforce would work better as it remains active in the field level while the steering committee depends on technical committee and other implementing bodies.
They also argued for blanket vaccination of the cattle to halt the anthrax outbreak immediately.
Prof Nazrul Islam, virologist and former vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) also placed stress on blanket vaccination.
“But the livestock department should let us know about the effectiveness of the vaccine they are manufacturing,” he said.
“Still the government is taking strategies depending on the manifestation of the outbreak, which is not enough. The government needs to go for proper management system and strong monitoring following a sero surveillance,” he added.
This is the second instance of human anthrax infection in the country. Last year about 35 people contracted the disease.
The disease has already spread to 12 districts from August 18 this year affecting a total of 583 people, shows the record of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).
Meanwhile, one person was infected with anthrax yesterday at Madaripur Sadar Upazila, reports our Madaripur correspondent.
Panic also gripped Bagerhat district following the death of two cows at Afra village of Jatrapur Union.
Our Benapole correspondent reports, a total of 150 cattle imported from India were kept under the BDR supervision in Putkhali border yesterday for health screening.
The cautionary measure was taken soon after the government imposed restriction on importing sick cows from India.
