March 6, 2006

Cow dies of anthrax in India, feed possible culprit

Authorities are vaccinating over 500 cattle at a village in Junagadh district in Western India after the death of a cow died of the deadly anthrax bacteria, official sources said here today.

He said that following the death of the cow at Dedakiyali village, a sample was taken from its carcass and detailed tests confirmed that it had been infected with anthrax.

Vaghasia said that there was no fear of the bacteria spreading to humans since preventive measures had been taken.

He said there was a possibility of the cow getting infected with the bacteria through fodder.

Anthrax is a disease caused by spore forming bacterium mostly occurring in animals with lower vertebrae. It can also spread to humans if they are exposed to infected animals.