May 31, 2012

Colombia has been affected by a deadly anthrax outbreak in the La Guajira province which has led to two swine deaths.

Laboratory analysis undertaken by the National Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Bogata confirmed positive results for the Bacillus anthracis pathogen in sheep and goats from the ingenious community to whom the affected population belongs. Among the goats and sheep, six pigs are present, two of which have died. The OIE report mentions among the stricken a person with skin lesions.

The epidemic is on-going and normal control measures are being followed: quarantine, control of movement within the country, and vaccination of the susceptible species. The community has been further instructed on the disposal protocol, and warned against eating or handling the dead animals.