Play store
At least 53 people in Rangpur, Dinajpur and Gaibandha have sought treatment for suspected anthrax infections over the past month, with Sundarganj in Gaibandha emerging as the main hotspot.
Of them, 37 cases were reported in Sundarganj, where the outbreak is believed to have followed the slaughter and distribution of meat from a sick cow.
The latest outbreak began after a sick cow was slaughtered in Bachhati village of Sarbananda union on September 9, with its meat distributed among around 100 families. Within two weeks, suspected infections were reported in five unions.
Two meat samples collected from the village on September 21 tested positive for anthrax on September 23, according to the upazila livestock office.
Rangpur has reported 13 cases, including four members of the same family in Pirgachha. All 13 patients recovered after treatment. In Dinajpur, three members of a family, including a serving army member, also tested positive after eating beef and later recovered.
Authorities have launched vaccination and awareness campaigns in affected areas. So far, around 19,000 cattle in Sundarganj have been vaccinated, while additional vaccine doses have been requested.
Researchers from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and icddr,b have also warned that anthrax can spread through infected goats, sheep and buffaloes, not only cattle.
Health officials have urged people not to slaughter sick animals, to have animals examined by veterinarians before slaughter and to cook meat thoroughly. Anthrax is treatable when diagnosed and treated promptly, they said.