Livestock Dept Intensifies Drive to Curb Anthrax Spread

Livestock Dept Intensifies Drive to Curb Anthrax Spread

The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) has launched urgent and coordinated measures to contain the recent outbreak of anthrax among cattle in several districts of Bangladesh.

Anthrax is a bacterial zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans. According to an official release, the DLS has intensified its field operations in collaboration with local administrations to curb the infection and raise awareness.

Local offices are carrying out mass vaccination, animal health checkups, and public awareness campaigns through courtyard and street meetings, leaflet distribution, and loudspeaker announcements. Advertisements have also been issued nationwide to alert the public and encourage preventive action.

Special monitoring teams have been deployed to affected areas to prevent the slaughter of sick animals and ensure full vaccination coverage on farms. Under the “One Health” programme, joint awareness activities are being conducted with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to educate farmers and the public about safety measures.

Officials are advising people not to slaughter or consume sick animals, not to dispose of carcasses in open areas or water bodies, and to bury them properly. Anyone noticing symptoms of illness in animals has been urged to contact nearby veterinary hospitals or DLS offices immediately.

Rangpur and Gaibandha districts have been identified as the most affected areas, where extensive vaccination campaigns are underway. The Livestock Research Institute (LRI) will soon deliver about 30 lakh anthrax vaccines to Rangpur division, with 20 lakh doses allocated specifically for Rangpur and Gaibandha.

So far, 1,67,000 cows have been vaccinated across nine upazilas in Rangpur, supported by 36 medical teams operating in local slaughterhouses and 32 vaccination teams in Mithapukur, Pirgachha, and Kaunia upazilas.

In Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha, 26,400 cattle have been vaccinated, and awareness programmes— including miking, courtyard meetings, and leaflet distribution—have been completed. A mobile court has fined violators Tk 15,000, and five veterinary medical teams have been formed to reinforce preventive efforts.

Laboratory results showed that while 11 blood samples tested negative, 10 of 11 meat samples collected from affected areas were positive for anthrax bacteria.

Following ministry directives, a high-level investigation team has been formed to assess the source and extent of the outbreak in Rangpur and Gaibandha. The team will soon visit the affected areas and submit a detailed report.

Authorities expressed confidence that with concerted efforts from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the DLS, DGHS, local administrations, and the public, the spread of anthrax can be effectively controlled.