Cattle herders in Port Loko District have recorded over a billion Leone in loss as a result of the anthrax outbreak and quarantine measures instituted by the Government to prevent the spread of the animal to animal and animal to human transmission of the bacteria.
The Chairman of Cattle Farmers Association in Port Loko District, Mr Chernor Jalloh that since the outbreak of the anthrax disease which has killed hundreds of livestock, and the institution of ban on transportation of cattle, goats, and sheep they have lost their livelihood.
He said that the Anthrax outbreak and restrictions have cost them over a billion Leones.
This came following confirmed case of Anthrax outbreak in cattle, sheep, goats and in humans in Port Loko and Karene districts.
According to the government directives, movement and transportation of livestock from the district of Port Loko, Kambia, and Karene to any non-affected district is strictly prohibited
As of June 17, 2022, a total of six (animal to human) anthrax cases were reported including five confirmed cases and one probable case.
Chernor called on the authorities to provide them with subsidy to lessen the effect on them, as cattle farming is their main source of livelihood and economic activity.
Isatu Wurie Jallon, a cattle farmer, maintained that many farmers depend on cattle rearing to feed their families, pay medical bills and school fees. She said that because of the anthrax outbreak and restrictions, they are no longer selling cowmilk which is their main source of revenue to support their families and care for the cattle.
The livestock division of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation have quarantined 12 cowsheds in Port Loko District.
Anthrax is primarily a zoonotic disease, meaning that humans usually pick it up from infected animals.
Victims are usually people who work closely with animals.
The agriculture ministry confirmed an outbreak among animals in the north-west of the country, with more than 200 dying. It was the first such outbreak for three decades.
Anthrax can cause severe illness and be fatal for humans if not treated, but usually it does not spread easily.
Anthrax is caused by bacillus anthracis. It largely survives as spores that hide away in soil for years before entering an animal through a cut or wound.
Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics, but treatment needs to start soon after infection.
By Alusine Sesay