Colombia: Health emergency declared in La Guajira due to anthrax outbreak

Published at: 28/12/2024 09:20 AM

The Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) declared a state of health emergency in the northern department of La Guajira due to an outbreak of bacterial anthrax, known as Anthrax, on a goat farm in an indigenous Wayuu community.

The presence of the zoonotic disease was identified due to the development of inspection, surveillance and control actions carried out in the municipality of Manaure, after which the emergency protocols established for the control of the outbreak were applied, a statement said.

At the time when the sudden death of animals was reported on the property, the ICA deployed a multidisciplinary group to address the situation and implement measures aimed at preserving the health of people and animals, the information added.

The agency recommended that cattle that may show symptoms of bacterial anthrax should not be handled or destined for human consumption, because of the high risk they pose to human health, and to immediately notify the nearest local ICA office.

ICA explained that the authorities are on alert and that a vaccination campaign is currently being implemented to protect livestock production and socialize with communities the risks associated with the management of infected animals.

Anthrax, or bacterial anthrax, is an infectious disease affecting people and animals caused by the sporulated bacteria Bacillus anthracis, present on all continents, which causes high mortality in ruminants.

Mazo News Team