Fears over anthrax abound in Jambi

Fears over anthrax abound in Jambi

JAMBI: Scores of water buffalo and cattle in Kasiro subdistrict
have suddenly died over the past week, sparking concerns that an
anthrax outbreak has hit the area.

Achmad Surya, the chief of the Sarolangun regental Husbandry
Office for Jambi, said his officers were investigating the rash
of deaths. Blood samples had been taken from suspected cattle and
the samples were being checked, with laboratory results expected
to come out soon, said Achmad.

The death of the bovine meat sources has increased fear among
local residents, with many people deciding to stop all
consumption of meat.

The crisis has also alerted officials from the neighboring
regency of Bungo. As stories on the mysterious animal ailment
spread in the regency, officials from the Agriculture and
Husbandry Office in Bungo slapped a trade ban on all animal flesh
from Sarolangun regency. -- JP