Wild animal anthrax is a natural occurrence in many areas in southern Africa. Outbreaks for this year have for example been reported in Kenya, Botswana, Namibia and now in Lesotho. The latest outbreak in Lesotho is in the region of Maseru. A 10km radius has been quarantined. Animal movement between Free State and Lesotho are restricted.
Anthrax can spread to humans who might come in contact with an infected animal or eat meat or drink milk from an infected animal. In people, anthrax can be fatal if left untreated, and symptoms depend on the type of infection, such as small blisters for cutaneous anthrax; fever and chills for inhalation anthrax; or sore throat and nausea for gastrointestinal anthrax.
Please contact your local veterinarian for more information about Anthrax in affected areas, especially those in the areas of Ladybrand, Zastron and Wepener and visit the WHO website indicate below for more information about the disease.
