Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The disease affects a wide range of animals. Cattle and sheep are more susceptible to anthrax while swine and horses are less susceptible. The diseases may also affect cats and dogs. Many cases in Kenya have been seen in cattle.
The causal bacteria rapidly release spores when exposed to air. When the spores enter the body of an animal either through a fresh wound, inhalation, or ingestion, they develop into the active bacterium. The bacterium multiply rapidly and may overwhelm the immune system leading to sudden death of the animal. Administering vaccination against anthrax is crucial in areas where the disease is known to occur.
Signs of Anthrax Infection
Signs of anthrax vary depending on the species of the infected animal and the route of infection. If the bacteria enter the animal body through the nostrils or mouth, the signs may appear soon after infection and sudden death may occur. Besides, the bacteria may enter the animal body through injuries on the skin or wounds caused by insect bites. When infection takes place, the site of the injury may become hot and swollen then cold and insensitive.
Anthrax in cattle and sheep often causes sudden death with no signs observed. Before death, the animal may have a high fever. Upon or near death, you may notice blood oozing from the body openings including, the nose mouth, and anus. The blood contains a heavy load of anthrax organisms and often does not clot. Anthrax-inflicted carcass bloats and decomposes rapidly. However, less acute infection may lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, staggering, trembling, collapse, and death.
Conditions When Anthrax Is Likely to Occur
Anthrax outbreaks are common during the warmer months. Hot and dry conditions allow the bacterium to thrive. Further, an outbreak may occur after a major climatic change. For instance, when it rains after a long drought. The majority of anthrax infections often occur when an animal gets exposed to the spores when grazing.
Exposures to anthrax can occur when:
- An anthrax-afflicted carcass is left exposed.
- An animal ingests contaminated soil when forage is sparse due to drought or overgrazing.
- Spore-contaminated water floods a pasture for instance if an infected carcass has been dumped in ponds or streams.
- An animal ingests contaminated feed especially bone meal and other animal protein products.
The anthrax spore can persist in the soil of a contaminated pasture yard for years. Disturbing the soil through digging or excavation may expose these spores. Further, flooding may uncover buried spores.
How Anthrax Affects Humans
Anthrax disease can affect both humans and animals. The diseases take three forms in humans i.e., intestinal, respiratory, and cutaneous.
Cutaneous
Anthrax spores may invade a cut or abrasion in human skin. The site will itch, swell and later become discoloured. One may not feel any pain. Unfortunately, cutaneous anthrax must be treated otherwise it may be fatal when the bacterium invades the bloodstream. The patient will need to visit a nearby medical centre in Kenya for treatment.
Respiratory
An individual may contract anthrax by inhaling the spores which then affect the lung tissue. Initially, the symptoms are mild and could be confused with a common cold or flu. The disease progresses rapidly and shock may develop within 3-5 days. When shock develops, the disease may become difficult to treat.
Intestinal
Ingesting contaminated meat exposes an individual to spores. That is why an animal suspected or confirmed to have died of anthrax should never be consumed. Symptoms include abdominal distress, fever, shock, and death.
How to Prevent Anthrax in Kenya
Farmers in anthrax-prone areas should contact a local and registered vet to have their animals vaccinated against anthrax. If you suspect anthrax in your animal, contact a local vet to have the animal tested. The vet may collect a blood sample and send it to a diagnostic laboratory for examination. If anthrax causes the death of your animal, the vet may advise you on steps to minimize the spread. These include:
- Preventing predation of the infected carcass
- Ensuring proper disposal of the infected carcass. It could be through incineration of the carcass or burying it at least 6 feet deep and covering the top with quick lime.
Anthrax outbreaks have occurred severally in various parts of Kenya. If your area or property has a history of outbreaks, you should always ensure your animals are vaccinated against anthrax. Animals that die due to anthrax should not be consumed. A local and registered vet can guide you on how to dispose of the animal properly.