Editorial
Meeting the anthrax challenge
Public awareness building holds the key
The anthrax situation has worsened in the last few days, with the disease spreading to at least six districts. The number of the infected has reached 327 as 19 new cases have been reported from Meherpur and Chaudanga districts in a single day.
So, anthrax is now a public health concern of worrisome magnitude, particularly because it is reportedly spreading through infected cattle. The government has taken certain steps to keep the situation under control. Checkpoints have been set up on the highways to stop movement of the infected cattle and civil surgeons have been asked to remain ready to treat anthrax infected people. The government has also taken emergency measures like canceling the Eid holidays of the livestock department officials and employees. But it seems people are still highly vulnerable. A driver of a truck carrying cattle to the city said that he was not stopped at any checkpoint while coming to Dhaka, although the authorities claimed these have been set up. So, there are loopholes in the arrangements made to prevent anthrax from spreading further.
The outbreak of anthrax could be linked to the fast dwindling vulture population in the country. Vultures usually gobble up the carrions. But most of these birds have died or disappeared, leaving none to perform the task of natural scavenger.
The impact of the anthrax, both real and psychological, can be huge. Most people are confused as varied opinions are being aired on the possible effects of the decease. The epidemiologists and specialists must get work and come out with do's and don'ts to control its spread. Let informed opinion hold sway.
Sale of beef has already declined and people, particularly in the affected districts. It may cause damage to the dairy industry. The situation calls for special alert as public movement away from cities increases with the Eid-ul- Fitr approaching. And what will happen during the Eid-ul-Azha if the precautions are not in place ahead of the occasion, is anybody's guess!
The crying need of the hour is to make people alert about the real hazards, instead of getting panicky. The livestock department has reportedly sent five lakh vaccines to the affected areas. What is particularly important in a situation like this is the pace of the work done to meet the crisis together with awareness building through the media. It is not enough to formulate a plan, the department has to ensure its quick implementation.
So, outbreak of anthrax poses a challenge to the country's medicare and livestock management systems. The systems must respond quickly to make sure that the disease does not break out in new areas.
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