Four Gunungkidul Residents Test Positive for Anthrax After Consuming Sick Goat Meat
Four residents of Pelem hamlet, Semanu, Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), have been confirmed positive for anthrax after consuming meat from a goat that died suddenly due to suspected illness.
The Head of the Gunungkidul Health Office, Ismono, stated that before the anthrax confirmation, the four individuals had participated in the ‘porak’ or ‘mbrandu’ tradition. “The information is that they participated in ‘mbrandual’. Then, the meat was consumed together,” Ismono said when contacted on Friday (2/10).
‘Porak’ or ‘mbrandu’ refers to a local community tradition where residents purchase livestock that has died unexpectedly, with the intention of easing the financial burden on the livestock owner.
According to Ismono, several residents in the hamlet began experiencing general symptoms of anthrax exposure in September 2026, such as the appearance of scab-like lesions on the skin. Seven people were subsequently designated as suspects.
Epidemiological investigations revealed that these individuals had a history of direct contact with goats that had become lethargic before dying suddenly. “Subsequently, four people tested positive for anthrax via PCR confirmation,” Ismono explained.
Meanwhile, contact tracing within the at-risk population identified 47 individuals who had a history of exposure to the animals or animal products derived from the goats in question.
Ismono continued, noting that the four individuals confirmed to have anthrax have received medical treatment and are now in good health. “They are healthy now; there are no issues,” Ismono claimed.
Prophylaxis was administered simultaneously to the suspects, including the 47 individuals with a history of exposure, as an effort to prevent additional cases. He explained that the Health Office is also continuing health monitoring for all contacts and at-risk populations for two incubation periods, or a duration of 60 days.
“As of now, there have been no new cases, meaning the situation there has concluded,” he asserted.
Nevertheless, Ismono stated that his office continues to provide education to the community regarding the dangers of slaughtering, processing, or consuming animals that are sick or have died suddenly. The Gunungkidul Regency Government emphasised the importance of immediate reporting if livestock deaths of unknown causes are discovered.
The Health Office is also coordinating across sectors with village governments, the Livestock Office, community health centres (Puskesmas), and other relevant parties to prevent and control anthrax in the local area.
These efforts include appeals to monitor livestock deaths in the surrounding area and to ensure immediate reporting to health officials if any animals are found to have died suddenly from unknown causes.