English
Indonesia
Hundreds of Cattle in Takalar Anthrax Positive
Takalar - More than a hundred of domestic cattle and water buffaloes in two villages in Takalar have succumbed to anthrax. The animals suffered convulsions before they died. The case occurred in Laikang and Punaga village in Mangarabombang subdistrict, Takalar district, South Sulawesi.
The disease was confirmed through laboratory testing in Maros Disease Investigation Center. Testing found the causative bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, in spleen and blood samples.
Within the last two months, over 170 cattle and buffaloes died in both villages. The district government of Takalar has announced an outbreak.
The government has also released instructions to isolate livestock within the two villages. Strict measures are being taken to prevent the disease from spreading to other villages.
”The two villages are prohibited from sending out cattle and water buffaloes from the village. Visa versa, they are not allowed to receive animals from other areas,” said Head of the Livestock Division in Takalar Agriculture and Forestry Services, Muhammad Ridwan Ghani, on Tuesday (5/6).
He warns farmers to not eat their animals until there is further treatment and vaccination. This disease is very dangerous and could be transmitted to people.
”Most likely bacteria spores are present in the soil and could survive up to 40 to 60 years. From time to time it could be activated and attack people,” said Felisia Mira, a veterinarian at Takalar Agriculture and Forestry Services.
Head of Turikale subvillage in Laikang village, Bakkang Daeng Nai, confirmed the incident. Three of his own cattle have died from anthrax. “It has never happened like this before. Usually whenever there is disease, it would be cured after given an injection. Now the cattle immediately die,” said Bakkang. (jpnn)
Source: Jawa Pos National Network