At least two persons were last week admitted with anthrax related symptoms in Chipinge, prompting officials to dispatch a rapid response team to vaccinate local livestock.
According to sources the outbreak is now reportedly posing a threat to human life as there are suspicions that local butcheries are also stocking the infected beef for resale.
Hunger stricken locals have also been consuming beef from ailing cattle, while others are finishing off the beasts and feasting on them.
Provincial Development Coordinator Edgars Seenza, who heads the provincial CPU confirmed the outbreak as well hospitalization of the duo, who were exposed to infected beef.
“We have received those reports from our local structures and we have since responded as the Civil Protection Unit and dispatched a team which is now on the ground.
“The suspicions were raised from two patients who got sick and were admitted at St Peters Hospital with anthrax-like symptoms, but these were treated and discharged,” said Seenza.
“The situation is now under control, we responded quickly to educate our people and vaccinate because that area is already under constant surveillance,” he added.
Seenza said the situation was now under control as the CPU is working closely with local structures and the veterinary department to identify hotspots.
The Division of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture has since dispatched a rapid response team to deal with the outbreak which has reportedly claimed dozens of cattle herd in Chipinge rural.
