After the detection of anthrax in two districts, a team of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has recommended urgent quarantine of the affected areas, proper burial of carcasses and expanded vaccination and awareness programmes to contain its outbreak.
The team came up with the recommendations after visiting several villages under Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha district on Wednesday following the recent detection of anthrax, locally known as Torka, in cattle and humans.
“Improper disposal of carcasses is one of the main reasons behind anthrax transmission. If prompt action is not taken, the contaminated soil and water can serve as a long-term source of infection,” said head of the team Prof Shahiduzzaman of Department of Parasitology at BAU.
The team collected detailed data to trace the source of infection, study the spread pattern and assess public awareness in the affected areas, Prof Shahiduzzaman, said.
After visiting different villages in Belka Union, Prof Shahiduzzaman said many cattle in those areas were not vaccinated against anthrax and local farmers lack proper knowledge of how to dispose of dead or infected animals safely.
Following the recent surge of anthrax in parts of Gaibandha and Rangpur, BAU’s Faculty of Veterinary Science Dean Prof. Dr Md Bahanur Rahman formed a seven-member investigation committee to conduct the field study.
According to information obtained by the team, a 60-year-old woman from Kishamat Sadar village’s Madhyapara area contracted anthrax after bringing home meat from a sick cow that had been slaughtered in the neighboring area.
In another case, a man developed severe eye swelling after anthrax-infected blood splashed into his eye during slaughter.
Besides, eleven people were infected.
Field findings also revealed that some carcasses of infected cattle and goats were buried in shallow pits while others were left exposed in open spaces.
In some cases, the unused or discarded parts of slaughtered animals were found lying in the open.
Researchers warned that these remains, especially in sandy soils,could contaminate nearby rivers—such as the Ghaghot—through rain or floodwaters, spreading anthrax spores further downstream.
The team observed that local farmers often cut grass from riverbanks to feed livestock.
When this grass is washed in contaminated water, anthrax spores can adhere to it, posing a risk to healthy animals consuming the feed, it said.
The experts advised that dead animals should be buried at least six to eight feet deep and the burial sites should be disinfected with lime-mixed water before and after burial.
They also suggested marking the burial sites to prevent future grazing or cultivation there.
Farmers were urged not to slaughter sick animals and to report such cases to local livestock offices immediately.
Sundarganj Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Biplob Kumer Dey said vaccination drive is ongoing. “If we can bring all cattle under regular vaccination every year, anthrax can be fully controlled. However, we need more trained manpower and logistics support at the field level,” he said.
The BAU research team also included Prof Dr Md Amimul Ehsan and Prof Dr Azimun Nahar (Department of Medicine), Prof Dr Jahan Ara Begum (Department of Pathology), Prof Dr Muhammad Tofazzal Hossain (Department of Microbiology and Hygiene), Prof Dr Jayedul Hassan (Member Secretary), and Assistant Prof Saifur Rahman.
Prof Amimul Ehsan said the main objective of the investigation was to identify the local causes of anthrax transmission and to suggest preventive strategies for the future.
The team collected samples from human wounds, animal blood, soil, water and grass to trace the infection’s origin and to determine whether vaccinated animals had developed sufficient antibodies.
The researchers in collaboration with local livestock officials also guided farmers on vaccination, safe carcass management and public health awareness.