July 12, 2005
 

Indian state bans neighbouring cattle to prevent anthrax
 

A ban on the transportation of cattle from neighbouring states into Kerala, India, has been placed to prevent the outbreak of anthrax among humans and animals in the state, announced Kerala's Animal Husbandry Department on Jun 10.

Over one million cows are brought into Kerala from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka every year for slaughter.

However, the lack of veterinary doctors, health officials, and facilities to check for animals diseases in Kerala can spread the anthrax disease from these regions, say experts. Moreover, preventive vaccine for anthrax is also not available in Kerala.

Beef makes up about 40 percent of the beef-loving Keralites' diet, with total meat consumption in the state estimated to be worth about Rs1.7 billion (US$39 million).

Keralites have been urged not to purchase meat from India's anthrax-hit areas. However, illegal slaughterhouses are rampant and health authorities cannot determine the quality of beef available.

Anthrax has killed one person and affected another 23 people in west India's Orissa Pradesh last month.