Anthrax Outbreak in Mashonaland West

week. Anthrax is an acute, contagious disease characterized by septicaemia and sudden death.
The disease is caused by the bacterium bacillus anthracis whose unique feature is its ability to form dormant stages (spores) which can survive in the soil for many years.
Animals become infected by ingestion of contaminated feed or water. In the body, the spores multiply and produce a lethal toxin which kills the animal. Crispen Devere, who is the acting provincial environmental health officer, said his office had managed to contain the situation.
“It is the first time we have had an outbreak on those two farms but I wish to inform all concerned parties that we have managed to successfully treat all cases at Ngwarati and Mahewu farms,” Devere said. – Own correspondent