Masvingo Anthrax Outbreak: 40 cattle die, 33 people diagnosed

Despite the Zimbabwean Government’s efforts to contain an outbreak of Anthrax in Masvingo, there has been a surge in the number of cattle that have succumbed to the deadly infectious disease which has ravaged the ancient province.
According to Bikita District Development Coordinator, Mr Benard Hadzirambwi, a total of 40 cattle from the initial 24 has been lost from Anthrax- a disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Hadzirambwi also revealed that 33 people from the province have also been diagnosed with the deadly disease.
“We have experienced an increase in people diagnosed with anthrax (and the number has risen) from 28 to 33 while cattle deaths have also risen to 40, from 24” he said.
The latest circumstances come in the wake of revelations that the Government has already availed 5000 vaccines for administering on the district herd.
State Media