Local anthrax fiercer than US one

Local anthrax fiercer than US one

BOGOR: The anthrax outbreak in Bogor involved a strain more easily transmitted than the anthrax used in the attacks in the United States, a researcher warned on Friday.

Bogor Veterinary Research Institute researcher Lili Natalia said unlike the U.S. strain which could infect people through open wounds, the Bogor strain could pass through skin.

She said the institute was still studying samples taken from seven people from Kadumanggu who were infected with the disease.

Separately, Bogor regency administration spokesman Sjahuri said it was believed the residents were infected by a goat which was not vaccinated during a program in October, last year.

Sjahuri said the regency would cooperate with the Bogor Institute of Agriculture to vaccinate goats which would be sacrificed on the Islamic Day of Sacrifice on Feb. 12.--JP