July 11, 2023

Indonesia's prohibits dissection of anthrax-infected livestock

Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture has prohibited the dissection of livestock corpses infected with the Bacillus anthracis bacteria, which causes anthrax, Antara reported.

Nuryani Zainudin, the director of animal health at the ministry, said the government has urged the burning or burial of infected animal carcasses to prevent the spread of infection.

Anthrax is a type of zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from herbivorous animals like cattle, goats, sheep, and camels to humans. The bacteria have the ability to survive for extended periods, thanks to protective spores, both inside the bodies of animals and in the ground.

Clinical symptoms observed in infected animals include high fever, restlessness, convulsions, and death. In some cases, livestock may die suddenly without displaying any noticeable symptoms. Bleeding from orifices such as the ears, nose, and mouth is also a common clinical sign.

Zainudin said dissecting the carcass of an infected animal can release the spores, which can remain protected in the ground for many years.

Syamsul Ma'arif, director of public health at the ministry, said it is important to refrain from consuming the meat of livestock infected with anthrax. Boiling the meat for hours is not sufficient to kill the bacteria, as the spores can still pose a risk. Inhaling the spores can lead to death within 24 hours, Ma'arif said.

Around 94% of anthrax cases in humans result from physical contact with infected livestock. The spores can then spread to the brain, potentially causing fatal outcomes. Ma'arif stressed the urgency of handling such cases promptly and providing specialised equipment for treating anthrax-related meningitis.

-      Antara