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T. Mothibi

Date :

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21 December 2006

TO: ALL EDITORS EMBARGO: For Immediate Release DATE: 21 Dec 2006

RE: ANTHRAX OUTBREAK IN NAMAQUA

During the 4^th – 12^th December 2006, officials of the Department of Health encountered a suspected human case of Anthrax in the Richtersveldt area. The State Veterinarian in the area was subsequently contacted on the 12^th Dec 06 informed on the suspected human case. Several samples were collected on the same date from a lamb that was found dead and submitted to the Onderstepoort Laboratory in Tshwane for analysis.

The animal owner had not informed the State Vet office of the dead animals and during preliminary investigations, it was found that

2.1.1 About 15 sheep out of 1000 had died without being reported

2.1.2 The owner skinned some of the animals and the meat thereof was consumed at Sendelingsdrift

2.1.3 There were about 20 people who were declared as human contacts and were treated accordingly by the Health Officials

The following steps were undertaken: The affected area has been quarantined in line with the Animal Diseases Act of 1984; The contact people have been treated by the Health officials and are being monitored accordingly; Plans for the Anthrax vaccination and information campaign have been developed and will be implemented during 21 Dec 06 – 19 Jan 07 period.

The Veterinary officials will further investigate and report on the source of the outbreak; why the owner did not report the dead animals; what happened to the rest of the dead carcasses; if any meat was illegally sold to members of the community. The Department is confident that the outbreak will soon be under control as officials will be working throughout the festive season.

Enquiries: Thabo Mothibi @ 083 255 8840 e-mail: tmothibi@agri.ncape.gov.za

Source : Department of Agriculture and Land Reform