The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DAEA) has reminded livestock farmers that the recent outbreak of anthrax in western Lesotho and the Northern Cape makes the disease an ongoing threat.
Farmers should take appropriate precautions to prevent the occurrence and potential spread of anthrax. “Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores although all mammals, including humans, can contract it,” explained KZN DAEA spokesperson Mbulelo Baloyi. “Anthrax in herbivores is typically characterised by rapid death, often without preceding clinical symptoms. If symptoms are observed they may include high temperatures, muscle tremors and breathing difficulties, followed by convulsions, collapse and death. To help prevent anthrax, a vaccine is available and susceptible animals should initially be vaccinated at three to six months and annually thereafter. The vaccine is live and vaccinated animals should not be treated with antibiotics 10 days before and 10 days after vaccination.” Vaccination of livestock against anthrax is compulsory in terms of the regulations of the Animal Diseases Act of 1984 and therefore no compensation is payable by the state for animals that die or are put down as a result of an anthrax outbreak. – Staff reporter
