DHAKA: Health Minister Dr AFM Ruhal Haque Sunday said there is nothing to be worried about anthrax as the situation is now under control of the government.  

“The situation is now under control of the government and necessary steps have been taken to control the disease,” the minister told an inter-ministerial meeting that reviewed the overall situation of anthrax.

Referring to setting up of a check post on the west side of Bangabandhu Bridge for health test of the cattle-heads, he said cattle-heads have been brought to the capital after examinations at the check post in presence of police and veterinary specialists.

“The antidote of anthrax is being manufactured in the country”, he said.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas said 22 cows and five goats were reported to have died in the last three days by anthrax but no case of human was reported yet.

He advised people to keep away from touching or slaughtering affected cattle and bury the dead cattle six feet under the earth.
 
The disease transmits from animals not from human being, the Livestock Minister said adding that people should wear gloves before touching any infected animal.

State Minister for Health Captain (Retd) Mujibur Rahman Fakir, Health Secretary Humayun Kabir and representatives from different ministries were present at the meeting.

Recent outbreak of deadly disease anthrax in different villages of Sirajganj and Pabna districts created panic among the people.

Some 129 people have been infected with anthrax, in Shahjadpur, Belkuchi and Kamarkhand upazilas in the last few days.

BDST: 2100 HRS, AUGUST 29, 2010.