Anthrax Outbreak In Kerala’s Athirappilly Forest

Tags: State News

Kerala Health Minister Veena George recently confirmed the outbreak of anthrax after several carcasses of wild boar were found at Athirapally in Thrissur district.

• Important facts

• Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria.

• It is commonly found in the southern states of India. It is found less in the northern states.

• The disease has been reported in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Orissa and Karnataka.

• Anthrax

• Anthrax is also called Woolsorter's disease or malignant pustules.

• It is a rare but serious disease caused by a rod-shaped bacteria called Bacillus anthracis.

• These bacteria are naturally found in the soil.

• According to WHO, anthrax is a disease of herbivores that affects wild and domestic animals.

• It is a zoonotic disease; Thus, it is transferable from animals to humans.

• When wild and domestic animals come in contact with contaminated soil, water, they can become infected.

• Anthrax infection in humans

• Humans become infected with anthrax disease directly or indirectly from animals or animal products.

• Humans can become infected when they enter the body through eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, breathing or scratching the skin.

• Symptoms of anthrax

• The first sign is the sudden death of one or two animals within a herd of livestock species such as cattle, sheep or goats.

• Symptoms of high fever may be seen.

• Swelling, and sudden death with the absence of blood clots are common symptoms in wildlife.