Over Fifty People Infected with Anthrax in Two Months, Over a Hundred Cattle Dead

In Rangpur, more than fifty people have been infected with anthrax, a zoonotic disease, over the past two months. The outbreak has also resulted in the death of over a hundred cattle.

According to sources at the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, the official number of patients diagnosed with anthrax in the district currently stands at 11. Between July and September of this year, two individuals in Pirgacha succumbed to anthrax-related symptoms. During the same period, symptoms of anthrax were observed in approximately fifty residents across several unions of the upazila. Laboratory testing of samples from sick cattle confirmed anthrax through the Department of Livestock Services.

Subsequently, a team from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) visited Pirgacha Sadar and Parul Union on 13–14 September to collect samples from 12 men and women exhibiting anthrax symptoms. Of these, eight tested positive for anthrax.

Health sources further report that in Pirgacha, Mithapukur, and Kaunia upazilas, the number of people affected by anthrax has exceeded fifty. However, the figures reported by IEDCR, which indicate only 11 cases, do not fully reflect the actual situation. There is also a shortage of livestock vaccines and antibiotics for the treatment of infected individuals.

According to the Mithapukur Upazila Health Complex, around 20 days ago, a cow in Amaipur village, Imadpur Union fell ill and was subsequently slaughtered. After cutting the meat, five to six villagers developed wounds and symptoms consistent with anthrax. When they sought treatment at the Upazila Health Complex, samples were collected and sent to IEDCR, resulting in one confirmed case of anthrax.

M A Halim Lablu, Disease Control Officer at Mithapukur Upazila Health Complex, said: “Symptoms have been observed in 11 people in this upazila. This disease spreads from livestock to humans, but does not transmit between humans. Public awareness is therefore critical. Sick cattle should not be slaughtered, and their meat should not be consumed.”

Dr Ekramul Haque, Livestock Officer of Pirgacha Upazila, stated: “At least 150,000 animals in Pirgacha alone have been affected by anthrax. So far, 53,400 vaccines have been allocated, and an additional 50,000 doses have been requested, though they have not yet been delivered.”

Dr Altaf Hossain, Livestock Officer of Mithapukur Upazila, added: “Raising public awareness is the only alternative to prevent this disease. Vaccination of infected animals is ongoing, but there are shortages.”

Sheikh Md. Russel, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Pirgacha, said: “We have requested an additional 50,000 vaccine doses. For the time being, anthrax is under control, and treatment is being provided to those affected.”

When contacted, Shahin Sultana, Civil Surgeon of Rangpur, stated: “Medical teams have been deployed in the three affected upazilas to provide continuous treatment. Residents have also been advised not to slaughter infected cattle.”

Abu Said, District Livestock Officer, confirmed: “Following the detection of anthrax in August, we immediately launched a vaccination programme.”