Namibia - Anthrax Outbreak Omaheke Under Quarantine

The Omaheke Region has been placed under quarantine following reports that an unspecified number of cattle were driven across the border from Botswana into Namibia on Tuesday. The ban on the movement of cattle could however not be officially confirmed last night as most veterinary officers in Omaheke were out in the field, presumably searching for the animals. A number of farmers at Tallismanus in the Otjombinde Constituency, who were contacted for comment, indicated that they had heard about the ban over the NBC radio service. Meanwhile, a restriction on the movement of animals was earlier imposed on the village of Leonardville, situated about five to six kilometres from Aminuis, after suspicions of anthrax were reported amongst goats and sheep at two unspecified farming plots. Two people were also admitted to hospital, after eating meat infected with anthrax. Their condition is said to be stable and that they are responding well to treatment. Deputy Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Cleopas Bamhare, told New Era that "although preliminary samples were not conclusive, clinical research highly shows that it is anthrax." It could however not be established whether Leonardville has been entirely quarantined. Bamhare said this was too strong a term, saying the area is only under restricted movement of livestock and not under quarantine as such. He explained that this was because the incident at Leonardville was only an isolated one that is currently under close supervision, and could not be linked to incidents in the Caprivi. When asked how anthrax reached the village, Bamhare said that anthrax spores can be found in the soil on which domestic animals like goats and sheep graze. Anthrax is a bacterial disease that mainly affects animals, but as of late, it has also infected humans. In light of this, Bamhare cautioned the public not to handle or eat any meat of an animal that has died of anthrax, since the possibility of human cases have emerged. "The problem we are facing is that people have already eaten the meat from the dead animals that died of anthrax. So by the time they report the case to the authorities, there is no carcass to examine. " While animals get anthrax by grazing on soil contaminated with anthrax bacteria, people get anthrax by touching infected animals or animal products, such as wool, hides, leather or hair products. The bacteria get into the body through a break in the skin, causing skin infections. Other forms of anthrax infection can be through inhalation or through eating. With proper treatment however, deaths from skin infection of anthrax are minimal, but other forms, if treated too late, can be fatal. Even though restrictions on the movement of animals have been lifted in Leonardville, the situation is being monitored by the two State veterinarians in Gobabis - Dr Milton Maseke and Dr Baby Kaurivi. Meanwhile, although the anthrax situation in the Caprivi is now reportedly stable, it is still life threatening. Large areas of wildlife in the Caprivi's Ngoma, Mamili, Khaudum, Bwabwata and Mahangu national game parks have been affected. Up to ten people have so far reportedly been treated at Katima State Hospital, after eating anthrax-infected meat. It takes up to seven days for symptoms to show, which normally start with itching of the skin, resulting in sores. Serious cases with intestinal problems can also feature symptoms of nausea, vomiting blood and fever. However, severe cases of anthrax in humans have not yet been reported in Namibia. In wildlife, anthrax generally shows few signs before they collapse and die. Blood discharge from the mouth, nostrils and anus is characteristic of anthrax deaths. Yet, with the outbreak still prevailing in the Caprivi region, Deputy Director of Wildlife Management in the Ministry to Environment, Sacky Namugongo, worries about the possibility of anthrax being airborne. "The impact of anthrax is very bad in the Caprivi , actually it's devastating and we have contained it now. But the fact of the matter is that anthrax can even be airborne, because of burning the carcasses of dead animals," said Namugongo. So far, close to 52 buffalos, nine elephants, five zebras and 50 cattle have been burnt, after dying from anthrax. Even though burning the carcasses of animals is the only method to contain the outbreak, there's still concern not to do this too close to the villages. "We are not 100 percent sure that anthrax is not airborne, so the possibility is there, " aid Namugongo. Another problem is that the 50 member staff comprising environmentalists, park officers and rangers find it difficult to monitor wild animals that mix freely with domestic cattle in the Caprivi. The anthrax outbreak in Namibia reportedly comes from the Chobe National Park in Botswana, after similar incidents in that country. "How do we separate the cattle from the wild animals. The wild animals carry this disease through leaving saliva on the grass and the livestock pick it up. "This is even the case at drinking points," explained Namugongo. He appealed not only to the people of the Caprivi, but also those visiting the region to be cautious about eating any kind of meat, especially at unregistered butcheries. "Don't eat meat of any (sick) dead animals, rather report the incident to the relevant authorities, whether at the local police, traditional leaders or ministry of environment," cautioned Namugongo.