2 cows on Welsh farm die of anthrax

2 cows on Welsh farm die of anthrax

	Published : Mon, 24 Apr 2006 10:55 By : Paula Demarzio Print this Story

LONDON: Two cows in a beef farm in south Wales had contracted the highly infectious anthrax and died, according to official reports. This is the first outbreak of the deadly disease in the country in four years.

Veterinary doctors had carried out several tests on the farm after five cows were reported dead earlier in April but these are the first instances of confirmation of the bacteria in the blood samples.

Officials said the carcasses of the dead cows have been burnt and the ashes disposed of in secure conditions, in accordance with the Anthrax Order of 1991. All the workers at the sites have been advised to follow strict health and safety procedures.

Anthrax spores are known to have the capability to survive in the environment and for many years. There are reports that the farm had a history of infection as the disease had affected cattle there some 35 years ago.

The officials also said they had taken urgent steps to ensure that the public is not infected by the fatal bacteria.

The Welsh assembly said no cattle from the herd of 35 animals in the farm had been sent to market for nearly a year. Meat Hygiene Service has also been carrying out pre-slaughter checks on the animals.

Anthrax bacteria are extremely dangerous to humans and it is a potential source for biological weapons. A person can be infected through skin, which can be effectively treated through antibiotics, but when it finds way into human body through inhalation of the spores or through food, it can be fatal.

Chief veterinary officer for Wales Christianne Glossop said anthrax is not an uncommon disease and hundreds of animals are routinely tested for it annually.

She said the farm had been isolated and as such presented no risk to the public. The remaining animals had been kept in the fields as experts are reaching the scene for an on-the-spot study and for identifying the source of infection.