Media statement             30 May 2019  

ANTHRAX OUTBREAKS IN LESOTHO                         

The Veterinary Authority of Lesotho has reported three anthrax outbreaks to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).  The first outbreak started on 12 May 2019 and a total of 24 cattle were reported to have died of anthrax.

What is Anthrax?

Anthrax is a disease of humans and warm-blooded animals and is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Animals become infected by eating or licking material that is contaminated with spores or breathing in the spores. These spores are formed when the bacteria are exposed to oxygen in the event that an animal that died of anthrax is cut open. The spores are resistant and survive for long periods (up to decades) in the environment. Humans most commonly contract the disease through contact with anthrax-infected animals or animal products such as meat.

Read the full Media Statement online…

For more information go to the https://www.daff.gov.za/