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