Wüstenschiff

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - INDIA: (ORISSA)
********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 12 May 2010
Source: DNA India [edited]
<http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_se ... sa_1382163>


At least 7 cases of anthrax virus were detected in 2 villages under
Kutra Gram Panchayat in Kutra block of Sundargarh district, official
sources said today [12 May 2010]. Four persons, including a
4-year-old girl, have acquired symptoms of anthrax disease from
Kusumdih village, while 3 cases were detected from nearby Kiringasira
yesterday. All affected persons were admitted to the community health
centre at Kutra, and their condition was stated to be improving.

The affected persons were [aged 22, 22, 40 (Kiringsira village), 20,
26, 65, and 4 years old (Kusumdih village)], the sources said.

A medical team with sufficient medicines and health workers today [12
May 2010] rushed to the 2 affected villages, and door to door health
check-ups have started. The villagers with suspected cases of anthrax
were also given preventive medicines. All precautionary measures are
being taken to prevent the spread of the disease, Dinabandhu Panda,
in-charge of Kutra CHC, who is camping in affected villages, said.

People who consume the meat of dead herbivorous animals like cows,
goats, and pigs, or who even only touch their hides, can become
infected by _Bacillus Anthracis_ bacteria. The poor tribals of 2
villages ate and handled a dead cow and a dead sheep a week ago, Panda said.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>

[As you will see from our previous reports from Orissa, there is a
long Orissan history of human infections consistent with eating
contaminated meat. If you are going to prevent human cases, the most
cost-effective method is to vaccinate your livestock, especially
cattle. You can lecture, preach to, beg folk to not eat meat from
sick animals, but if they are poor and malnourished, you are talking
to an empty room. They don't listen, and if they do, they forget.
Vaccinate! And do it proactively, not retroactively. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - KENYA: (CENTRAL) FATAL SUSPECTED
*********************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Fri 28 May 2010
Source: Saturday Nation [edited]
<http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Two%20die% ... /bb7j35/-/>


Following a suspected anthrax outbreak, 2 people have been reported
dead in Murang'a District, Central Province. The 2 persons from
Gikandu village died after consuming beef from sick animals.

According to a witness a villager slaughtered his sick cow on [8 May
2010] and invited his neighbours for a feast. Later, on [15 May 2010],
another villager also slaughtered a cow, which had similar symptoms.
But [a man] who was among those who had consumed the beef died on 23
May 2010. [The 2nd man] died yesterday [27 May 2010], raising fears
that the animals might have had anthrax. The 1st victim died at the
Murang'a district hospital where medical tests showed signs of
anthrax. His son is in serious condition.

Ironically, the local public health officer had certified the beef
from the 2 animals fit for human consumption.

The provincial administration urged residents showing symptoms of the
disease to quickly seek medical attention. As a result, residents have
been cautioned against eating uninspected meat or meat from animals
that appear to be sick.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Only latterly has anthrax been adequately reported in Kenya. For
years it existed but was not recognized. In 2001 there were 10
officially reported human cases but 441 villagers in Maragwa district
were treated and 10 hospitalized, plus 4 people affected in Murang'a
in the following month. Between December 2005 and January 2006 there
were 2 dead, 5 hospitalised, and 99 treated in Maragua, Meru, and
Samburu districts. There were 10 cases in 2007 and 19 cases with 2
deaths in 2008. It is probably not coincidental that between December
2005 and March 2006, 53 Grevy's zebra and 26 plains zebra died from
anthrax in southern Samburu, plus some 7 animals in the Central
Province and 6 in the Nairobi area.

Cattle outbreaks are most commonly reported in the Central Province
and around Nairobi, which may be more a function of reporting bias.
During 2005 through 2008, bovine outbreaks have been reported in
Nairobi (19 outbreaks), Central (36), Rift Valley (13), Coast (4), and
Eastern (8 ) Provinces.

To see a map of Kenya, showing the provinces, go to
<http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa/kenya_pol88.jpg>.
Murang'a can be located on the interactive maps at
<http://healthmap.org/r/01q8> and
<http://www.fallingrain.com/world/KE/01/Muranga.html>. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - INDIA (02): (ORISSA)
************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Wed 9 Jun 2010
Source: Hindustan Times, Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) [edited]
<http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anthrax-i ... 55283.aspx>


The total number of anthrax cases in humans in Orissa's Koraput
district since last month [May 2010] has risen to 18 with health
officials on Wednesday [9 Jun 2010] confirming 5 more victims in the
region.

"The latest infections have been detected in Semiliguda block,"
additional district medical officer Nabaghana Chaudhuri said over the
phone. The disease has attacked 3 people of Biliguda village and one
each at Parajakhandi and Bariguda villages. All of them developed the
illness [2 Jun 2010], he said.

Last month [May 2010], at least 13 people of 2 villages under
neighbouring Dasmantpur block were treated after they were found to
have the infection. "All these people got the anthrax virus after
eating rotten meat," he said.

"Those affected, including the latest 5 persons, are out of danger.
Medical teams are camping in the affected villages to prevent spread
of the disease," he said.

Koraput district, about 500 km [311 mi] from the state capital
Bhubaneswar, is not new to anthrax, a bacterial disease that mostly
affects animals and spreads to humans through consumption of
contaminated meat.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[It is very clear from this ongoing series of Orissan outbreak reports
that the disease is out of control in this state. A tragedy. - Mod.MHJ]

[What is hopeful is that no deaths have benn reported and everyone is
out of danger. - Mod.JW]

[Maps of India are available at
<http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_e ... _pol01.jpg> and
<http://healthmap.org/r/01w2>.
Koraput district can be seen on the map at
<http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/orissa/orissa.htm>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

Indien - Milzbrand
15.06.2010

Im Bundesstaat Orissa sind seit letztem Monat 18 Personen an Milzbrand erkrankt, die Infektion erfolgte wahrscheinlich durch den Verzehr von verdorbenem Fleisch. Erst Anfang Mai war ein Ausbruch in West-Bengalen gemeldet worden, bei dem ca. 50 Menschen erkrankten. Vorsicht beim Umgang mit kranken Tieren, Fleisch nur ausreichend gegart verzehren. / Quelle: crm

ANTHRAX, HIPPOPOTAMUS - UGANDA: (QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK) SUSPECTED
*************************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 14 Jun 2010
Source: The New Vision [edited]
<http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/722748>


27 hippos die of suspected anthrax
----------------------------------
At least 27 hippos have died of suspected anthrax in Queen Elizabeth
National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) boss revealed yesterday.
"They died on Friday [11 Jun 2010] and we buried 27 carcasses on Saturday
and Sunday. But we are still waiting for experts to confirm whether the
animals died of anthrax," Moses Mapesa said.

He clarified that the deaths were not a threat to tourism, however, because
they occurred 5 kilometres [3.1 miles] east of the Katunguru bridge toward
Lake George, which is far away from the Kazinga Channel, a tourist attraction.

Tom Okello, the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area manager, said UWA had set
up a surveillance team to monitor the waters. This comes 6 years after the
park lost about 300 hippos, several vultures, hyenas, and other
grass-eating animals in the park to anthrax. Several people died then in
Bushenyi district and one in Kinyamaseke, Kasese district after eating meat
of the infected hippos.

"But the situation is under control. After the 2004 anthrax attack, we are
now more prepared to handle it," [Okello] said. He described to the
incident as "part and parcel of nature, a normal phenomenon."

Mapesa warned the public against eating wildlife meat and livestock keepers
to avoid grazing in the park. Mapesa also urged poachers to avoid the park.
"Anyone who sees a carcass should immediately report to UWA authorities or
other nearest authorities," he said.

Prevention
----------
Livestock, particularly cattle, goats, and sheep around the outbreak areas
should be vaccinated. Animals that die in water bodies should be removed
immediately to avoid further contamination of the water. The carcasses
should be buried immediately and should not be opened as this encourages
the spread of bacteria. Preferably, animals that die of the disease should
be burned to ashes with firewood and paraffin. Quarantines should be set up
in the affected areas to stop the movement of livestock and livestock
products like meat, milk, hides, and skins. Slaughter of animals for public
sale should be temporarily halted in the affected areas. Communities in the
affected areas should be sensitised about anthrax.
The people handling the cases should wear protective gear such as nose
masks, hand gloves, gumboots, and overalls.

[byline: John B Thwaite]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[In the original report there is a striking picture of some 12 dead hippo,
adults and calves, piled up blocking a water way on Lake George. While 2008
and 2009 were drought years, the present rainfall is good.

"Latest satellite-derived rainfall estimates indicate above-normal
performance in main cropping and pastoral areas in eastern equatorial
sector of region, where March-May season contributes more than 50 per cent
of the annual rainfall. These rains continue to support crop performance as
well as increase water recharge and pasture regeneration for pastoral
areas. However, the rains also increase the occurrence of localized
flooding and the risk of mudslides as the soils are saturated with
moisture." See "East Africa Regional Food Security Outlook", April to
September 2010
<http://www.fews.net/docs/Publications/E ... _final.pdf>.

So it would appear that they had enough grazing and were not starving as
they were in 2004-2005. On the other hand this same publication shows
nearby areas with severe food insecurities and thus the potential for
illegal harvesting of these and other dead animals to meet that demand.

During the 2004 hippo epizootic Entebbe had problems diagnosing the
condition and there were therefore delays in taking action. Let us hope
that the claims of better preparation now cover diagnosis.

Culturing field samples for _Bacillus anthracis_ can be more difficult than
many realize as the vegetative cell is fragile and on the plate
contaminants can hide the spores that germinate. With long dead carcasses
we have found that it is well worthwhile snipping out parts of the nasal
turbinates and transporting these pieces back to the laboratory in a small
plastic bag. These are much better and more reliable than the traditional ear.

In 2004 much of the spread was eventually put down to cannibalism and water
contamination; see ProMED-mail 20091021.3624. This posting is being copied
to colleagues in Uganda in the hope that they can shed light on what
initiated this new epizootic. - Mod.MHJ

Information on Queen Elizabeth National Park is available from
<http://greatlakessafaris.com/uganda/queenelizabeth.php>. Maps of the park
and the Kazinga Channel are available from
<http://www.strollingguides.co.uk/worksh ... ap=qenpMap>.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Uganda is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/00W*>. - Mod.SH]

ANTHRAX, HIPPOPOTAMUS - UGANDA (02): (QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK)
********************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Thu 17 Jun 2010
Source: The New Vision (Uganda) [edited]
<http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/18/723052>


Two more hippos have died of suspected anthrax in Queen Elizabeth National
Park, bringing the death toll to 29 since last Friday [11 Jun 2010]. The
New Vision reported on Tuesday [16 Jun 2010] that at least 27 hippos had
died of suspected anthrax.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) chief, Moses Mapesa, said he was still
waiting for the results from the samples sent for analysis at the
veterinary laboratory in Entebbe to find out what killed the animals. He
added that it would take several weeks to analyse the samples. [Sic,
usually it just takes hours to a couple of days. - Mod.MHJ]

The park's conservation manager, Tom Okello, said the new cases were found
near the Kazinga Channel in Katunguru. He said the wildlife authority had
deployed a team to monitor the situation.

Okello reiterated the authority's call on fishermen on lakes George and
Edward, and the Kazinga Channel, to report any carcasses floating on the
waters. He also warned cattle-keepers to desist from grazing their animals
in the park to prevent them from catching the disease. Okello also warned
against eating game meat.

Animals that die of the disease must be buried or burnt to prevent
contamination.

[byline: Bernard Masereka, John Thawite]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[I was informed by a knowledgeable contact at Entebbe that the UWA was
informed on Wednesday, 16 Jun 2010, of the results of their analyses.

Disposing of dead hippos in this part of Africa is not without problems,
whether burning or burying. Maybe a better solution would be to let the
carcasses float in the lake open water and prevent them coming to the
shore. Dragging them over land to a central burial or burning site would
create extensive contaminated areas (and people steal hippo teeth and sell
them as well). This option would involve 3 guys with a motorboat of
sufficient size and power to be capable of towing hippo carcasses, and some
very strong rope -- which is a pretty manageable logistical burden relative
to what anything else would require (trucks, backhoe, digging teams, etc).
They would have to stand by to check on them drifting ashore.

The African lakes are large. Away from the shore and the chances of
cannibalistic attacks from other hippos the likelihood of the carcass being
opened is much decreased; opening a carcass greatly increases sporulation.
Vultures are plentiful but are not strong enough to open the hippo skin,
though with the hippo carcass once opened the vultures will take advantage
to thoroughly scavenge it. Also crocodiles can have access BUT they don't
like to eat in open water AND if they open up the carcass, they do it from
below where immediately the blood will spill into large volumes of lake
water (there is limited sporulation in water because the necessary
nutrients are dispersed and the vegetative bacilli die quickly anyway).
Also towing the carcasses well away from shore would result in the hippo
intestines expelled through the anus through carcass bloating not being
available for other hippos to feed on -- let the crocodiles have them and
they can pull on them to their hearts' content.

Something to consider. This disposal procedure would not apply with rivers
because if nothing else the carcasses would very soon wash up on the riverbank.

Information on Queen Elizabeth National Park is available from
<http://greatlakessafaris.com/uganda/queenelizabeth.php>. Maps of the park
and the Kazinga Channel are available from
<http://www.strollingguides.co.uk/worksh ... ap=qenpMap>.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Uganda is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/00W*>. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HIPPOPOTAMUS - UGANDA (03): (QENP) CONFIRMED PLUS ELEPHANTS
********************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

******
[1]
Date: 22 Jun 2010
Source: New Vision [edited]
<http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/18/723490>


Anthrax killed hippos - experts
-------------------------------
Tests done at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Entebbe have
confirmed that anthrax killed the 30 hippos in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Dr. Nicholas Kauta, a commissioner in the agriculture ministry, on
Friday [18 Jun 2010] said the disease affects all warm blooded
animals except birds. He said animals that feast on carcasses of
infected hippos can catch the disease. The agriculture state
minister, Col. Bright Rwamirama, with a team of doctors from the
ministry, on Friday found a dead hippo in the middle of Lake George.

The minister called for quick intervention, saying this was the 3rd
time hippos were dying of anthrax in the national park. Since the
national park lost about 300 hippos about 6 years ago, the population
of hippos had multiplied to 5500.

Rwamirama observed that if necessary, the hippos should be moved
elsewhere to enable spraying of the affected areas. He observed that
the excavators used to bury the animals are expensive and that the
method used was risky.

The minister explained that an excavator is hired at sh. 1m [451 USD]
to bury one hippo. Rwamirama advised cattle-keepers in the
neighbouring areas not to graze their animals in the park to avoid
catching the disease.

[Byline: Abdulkarim Ssengendo]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[This report is both a confirmation and a report on additional
deaths; the total is higher than previously. A very similar report
can be seen at:
<http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... Vo8_X9mYew>
- Mod.MHJ]

******
[2]
Date: 23 Jun 2010
Source: EFE [edited]



Thirty hippos die in outbreak of Anthrax
----------------------------------------
At least 30 hippos have died from anthrax in Queen Elizabeth National
Park, a wildlife reserve in western Uganda, but local authorities say
they have managed to contain the outbreak.

According to Lillian Nsubuga, communications officer of the Uganda
Wildlife Authority, which oversees all activities in nature reserves,
all the hippos dead were buried in the park after being examined by
veterinary and medical public health sector.

The virulent outbreak of anthrax has killed between 10 and 15 elephants.

"This is the 2nd outbreak of anthrax that is recorded in Queen
Elizabeth National Park, where a similar outbreak in 2004 left a
balance of 300 hippos dead. This time we have not had many problems
because we knew that the disease was, in contrast to the outbreak 6
years ago, when we had no idea of what we faced," Nsubuga said.

The operators of the Ugandan tourism industry have expressed fears
that the outbreak of anthrax could negatively affect their business
to keep out visitors from home because the bacteria that causes it
can also infect humans. Nsubuga made clear, however, that the remains
of all dead animals from anthrax has already been buried and that the
tourism industry has nothing to fear.

This is high season for tourists who come to Uganda from Europe, USA
and other world regions. "This is high season for all our
destinations and, so far, we have not had any negative effects," said
Nsubuga, who stressed that the National Park Queen Elizabeth,
Murchison Falls and the Bwindi Impenetrable (famous for its mountain
gorillas) and Kibale Forest "have already received many visitors."

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its variety of wildlife
and the easy access of tourists to its natural habitat.

The reserve, called by that name in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of
England, was one of the awards to Prince Charles in November 2007,
when he accompanied his mother to the Summit of Heads of State and
Government of the Commonwealth meeting in Kampala.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[As elephants are very large animals and hard to miss the Ugandan
wildlife authorities should know how many have died. Unfortunately
elephant meat is very popular so we can assume that we may shortly
see some human cases in Western Europe, if not in Kampala. Note the
recent post on 'bushmeat' sales outside of Africa; 20100621.2079,
20040905.2484, and 20000411.0514] - Mod.MHJ]

[Information on Queen Elizabeth National Park is available from
<http://greatlakessafaris.com/uganda/queenelizabeth.php>. Maps of the
park and the Kazinga Channel are available from
<http://www.strollingguides.co.uk/worksh ... ap=qenpMap>.

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Uganda is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/00W*>. - Mod.SH]

Anthrax, HUMAN, BOVINE - Kazakhstan: (PAVLODAR)
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 23 Jun 2010
Source: News agency "Medportal" [trans. Artak Stepanyan, edited]
<http://medportal.ru/mednovosti/news/201 ... anthraxkz/>


The Ministry of Emergencies of Kazakhstan has reported that a 2nd
patient has died from anthrax in the Pavlodar oblast of Kazakhstan.
This patient was a woman who died on 21 June 2010.

The cause of the anthrax outbreak was slaughtering of a sick bull and
distribution of the beef to the residents of Karakol and Rebrovka
villages. The man who slaughtered the bull felt sick already on 11
June 2010. He did not apply for medical help and tried self
treatment. He was later transported to the hospital 19 June in a bad
condition and died next day.

Sometime later several other patients were also hospitalized,
including the woman who died recently. A total of 5 more patients
with confirmed anthrax are still in the hospital. There are about 80
contact persons in 2 villages and all are receiving preventive antibiotics.

The sanitary services confiscated and destroyed several kilograms of
contaminated beef.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED moderator Nilufar Rakmanova

[Pavlodar is on the north eastern border of Kazakhstan; see:
<http://aboutkazakhstan.com/Pavlodar_oblast.shtml>;
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavlodar>. Historically it has had its
share of anthrax outbreaks in the past, especially along the border
with Russia; see:
<http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/16/5/789.htm>. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - KAZAKHSTAN (02): (PAVLODAR)
****************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Fri 25 Jun 2010
Source: Tauport News [in Russian, trans. Corr.ATS, edited]
<http://tauport.kz/info/main/11661>


The number of anthrax cases is increasing in eastern Kazakhstan
---------------------------------------------------------------
Two more people were hospitalized with an anthrax diagnosis in Pavlodar
oblast. Hence, the number of infected people has increased to 10; 4 out of
them are sick with anthrax and 6 are those who have had contact with
anthrax cases. [Sic. See comment below. - Mod.MHJ]

The condition of the anthrax cases is moderate and the condition of
contacts is satisfactory. According to the Ministry of Emergencies in
Jolkudukskiy village 7 carcasses of cattle, 4 dead sheep/goats, and 1 horse
carcass have been found, burnt, and buried. Currently, anti epidemic
measures are being carried out.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-RUS
<promed-rus@promedmail.org>

[The 6 described as infected through contact are probably family members
who may have shared the meals of contaminated meat. Anthrax is not a
contagious disease; you do not catch it by being with an infected person.
This report is useful as it gives a more realistic picture of events in
these steppe villages. Multiple livestock cases are frequently involved,
not just a single animal butchered for its meat and reported by the public
health authorities. The bigger picture emphasises why anthrax is primarily
a veterinary problem, and why effective vaccination and control programmes
provide multiple social and economic benefits to these village agricultural
communities, way beyond those of just preventing human cases. - Mod.MHJ

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Kazakhstan is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/01Ci>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - KAZAKHSTAN (03): (PAVLODAR)
****************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 29 Jun 2010
Source: CA-NEWS (Kazakhstan) [edited]
<http://www.ca-news.org/news/424661>


Meat in one of the markets in Pavlodar was contaminated with anthrax
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Meat which was illegally for sale in one of the markets in Pavlodar was
contaminated with anthrax organisms. "Laboratory tests have confirmed the
presence of _Bacillus anthracis_ in the meat," said the chief state
sanitary-veterinarian Rashid Nurbekov.

Investigations have identified the owner of the goods. Results of
laboratory tests will be given to prosecutors.

Readers will recall that on 24 Jun 2010 at one of the markets in Pavlodar
some 150 kg [330 pounds] of horse meat were seized. It had been imported
from the quarantine area closed because of the anthrax in Aksu region. It
was found that the undocumented meat in the market was rejected, but had
been bought for sale by one of the market dealers.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-Rus translator Artak Stepanyan

[Our thanks to Artak for finding this report and translating it. - Mod.MHJ

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Kazakhstan is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/01Ci>. - Mod.SH]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN - KYRGYZSTAN: (JALAL-ABAD)
*****************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 2 Jul 2010
Source: Itar-Tass [edited]
<http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.htm ... &PageNum=0>


Some 14 people hospitalized with suspected anthrax in Kyrgyzstan
----------------------------------------------------------------
Some 14 people were hospitalized with suspected anthrax in the
Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan, the press service of the Kyrgyz
Ministry of Emergency Situations told Itar-Tass on Friday [2 Jul 2010].

"Six people sought medical aid in the Suzak district of the Jalal-Abad
Region. The anthrax diagnosis was confirmed in one of them. The
medical tests of other patients staying at the district hospital are
being examined," the press service reported.

A total of 7 more residents of the neighboring Nooken district are
also undergoing treatment at the district hospital, the ministry press
service said. "The preliminary tests showed that people could get
infected with anthrax in the Nooken district from the meat of an ill
domestic animal, which is under examination at a laboratory of the
Jalal-Abad sanitary epidemiological centre," the press service
reported. One more woman with the same diagnosis was hospitalized in
the Bazar-Korgon district.

Medical specialists believe that several anthrax spots are nested in
southern Kyrgyz regions. Local residents get infected with this
dangerous disease from time to time.

--
Communicated by:
Sabine Zentis
Castleview Pedigree English Longhorns
Gut Laach
52385 Nideggen, Germany
<http://www.cvlonghorns.de>

[Our thanks to Sabine for forwarding this report. The severe ongoing
hyper-enzootic condition in this part of Kyrgyzstan, which adjoins and
surrounds a similarly afflicted part of western Uzbekistan, was well
described by Jalalidin Gaibulin, Director of the Centre of Quarantine
and Dangerous Infections, Ministry of Health, Kyrgyz Republic in
January, 2009 (see 20090130.0415):

"Most cases were recorded in the Jalal-Abad region [province] with
Osh, Batken, and Chuy provinces next in the ratings. This bad
situation is connected with the high number of ground foci of anthrax.
Altogether in the republic, 1234 such places have been registered,
with 485 foci in Chuy province; 354 foci in Jalal-Abad province; 247
foci in Osh province; 124 foci in Issyk-Kul [Ysyk-Kol] province; 23
foci in Talas province; 5 foci each in Naryn and Batken provinces; and
1 focus in the city of Bishkek.

"The main reason for this ongoing situation is incomplete vaccination
coverage of livestock. The inhabitants also facilitate the situation.
They slaughter animals without veterinary inspection and sell the meat
of sick animals at markets. So, not only the people who slaughtered
the animals and contracted the disease, but also sellers and
customers, are at risk. The effective measure is compensation for
slaughtered animals. But the question now is not resolved."

For a map of Kyrgyzstan, see:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... rgysta.pdf>.
Jalalabad (here spelt as Dzhalal-Abadskaya Oblast) shares a border
with Uzbekistan. -Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - INDIA: (WEST BENGAL)
************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 5 Jul 2010
Source: India Report [edited]
<http://www.indiareport.com/India-usa-uk ... nal/1/20/1>


At least 7 persons suffered from anthrax after they handled the meat
of an affected bull at Domkol in Murshidabad district.

A total of 8 cattle have died and several other livestock have been
found to suffer from anthrax at Shibnagar village where the locals
ate the meat of the affected bull, officials said.

Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Kamdeb Sardar said the disease
spread to the villagers who handled the meat of the affected cattle.
Infection occurred to them during handling of the affected meat as
the anthrax bacteria came in contact with a cut or abrasion in the
skin, he said.

Officials have reached the area and the cattle and people were
vaccinated of anthrax bacteria, Sardar said.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[India rarely vaccinates humans against anthrax so I think we can
presume that just the cattle were vaccinated and the people received
antibiotics. While this account mentions people eating the
contaminated meat the 'scientific' explanation, given I suspect by Dr
Sardar, is more typical of cutaneous anthrax.

To find Murshibadad, go to:
<http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/28/Murshidabad.html>
- Mod MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - MONGOLIA: (SELENGE)
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 9 Jul 2010
Source: XinhuaNet [edited]
<http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/h ... 390975.htm>


Northern Mongolia hit by anthrax outbreak
-----------------------------------------
Mongolian authorities on Thursday [8 Jul 2010] confirmed that 3
herders have been infected with anthrax and that containment measures
are already under way. All 3 cases happened in the Selenge province
in northern Mongolia, where authorities have taken measures to
quarantine and disinfect areas surrounding the herders' residences,
the national emergency management authority said.

A total of 7 other local residents were suspected of being infected
with the usually fatal bacterial disease, which affects both animals
and human beings, and have been sent to hospitals, the government
said. It added that so far 6 cattle, 2 horses, one sheep and one goat
have died due to anthrax infection, and some 5300 livestock in the
region have been vaccinated.

[Byline: Bi Mingxin]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Selenge is not the most commonly reported province for anthrax in
Mongolia. Nationally human cases are sporadic: 2000 (2), 2001 (4),
2002 (16), 2003 (-), 2004 (22), 2005 (3 & 1 died), 2006 (4), 2007 (7
& 1 died), 2008 (15). Livestock outbreaks are most commonly reported
for cattle with outbreaks in low double digits (19 - 29); other
species affected are horses, sheep & goats, and camels, as in this
outbreak. It was reported in Selenge in 2004 and 2006.

As this winter was extremely rough on the livestock and thousands
died, we can assume that there is extensively rural poverty and thus
more moribund animals will be killed, slaughtered & butchered, with
more human cases. - Mod.MHJ]

[The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map of Selenge is available at:
<http://healthmap.org/r/01Gb> - CopyEd.EJP]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - COTE D'IVOIRE: (BOUNA)
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 15 Jul 2010
Source: AfriScooP.com [edited]
<http://www.afriscoop.net/journal/spip.php?breve3317>


An outbreak of anthrax has killed 5 people among the population in
the region of Bouna (Northeast), said a statement from the Ivorian
Ministry of Animal Production and Fish Resources on Wednesday [14 Jul 2010].

According to the statement, "anthrax" was triggered in the herds of
livestock. "The human victims have been in contact with sick
animals," said Minister of Animal Production Alphonse Douaty, stating
that it is a cattle disease transmitted to humans.

He has announced that he will be making a tour in the region "in the
coming days" to bring the condolences of the government to families
of the victims.

"Currently located in the region are 100 000 head of cattle which are
at risk. We will take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of
the disease," promised Mr. Douaty.

The minister also appealed to people so that they avoid contact with
domestic animals infected with anthrax.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>

[Anthrax is enzootic in the northeast of the country, where they have
champs maudits (chronically contaminated ground). Reporting is
erratic and vaccination light. - Mod.MHJ]
............................................................sb/mhj/msp/dk

ANTHRAX, HIPPOPOTAMUS - UGANDA (04): (KALANGALA) SUSPECTED
********************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 19 Jul 2010
Source: Uganda Travel and Tourism News, Ultimate Media report [edited]
<http://www.ugpulse.com/articles/daily/n ... +&ID=15124>

To date 5 hippos have died of suspected anthrax at Buyigi Island in
Kalangala district. The district is surrounded by Lake Victoria. The
death of the 5 hippos brings the death toll to 11 since the beginning
of July 2010. The leaders of Kalangala district say they have not
officially established whether the animals have died of anthrax.

Several hippos have died of suspected anthrax since June 2010. The
LCI [village council] chairperson of Buyigi Island, John Walakira,
says they have sent messages to their district headquarters about the
death of hippos.

He says they also expect the Uganda Wildlife Authority to investigate
the phenomenon. The chairperson also warns residents against grazing
their animals near the place where the hippos have died.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[These events in Uganda are becoming an unfortunate regular event, as
well as the problems of confirming the initial diagnosis. Considering
their size one might speculate at whether it might be possible to
stop outbreaks in a modest but discrete number of hippos by darting
them with Sterne vaccine. - Mod.MHJ]

[Kalangala district in central Uganda can be seen on the map at
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Uganda>.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/01JB>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]