25 sheep and goats die of suspected anthrax in Rajkot

Rajkot, May 30 (UNI) At least 25 sheep and goats have died of suspected anthrax at Khanpar village, near Morbi in this district, which has a population of about 3,500 and the main profession is farming, Veterinary doctor J P Ugreja confirmed the death of cattle due to anthrax. post-mortem of one cattle revealed anthrax as the cause of death, Dr Ugreja said and added the cattle had died over five days from May 21 to 25.

Administration authorities have alerted all cattle owners in the village and precautionary measures have already been taken by the health department.

As many as 410 sheep and goats have been administered antibiotics and have been isolated, Dr Ugreja said. The nearby surrounding areas have also been alerted and necessary instructions issued.

There has, however, been no reported case of anthrax since May 25, he said.

The disease can be identified when the infected cattle starts discharging blackish blood from eyes, nose, mouth and renal path, with associated fever. The bacillus is transmitted to cattle as well as human beings and spreads through the blood discharge, he explained.

UNI