Four cattle slaughterhouses have been hospitalized for suspected anthrax in the Almaty region, the local administration’s press service reported.
“On September 1, four suspected cases of anthrax were registered in the Ulken Aksu rural district of the Uygur region. The preliminary cause of the illness is participation in the slaughter of a sick animal.” – the information says.
The patients’ condition is considered moderate. The circle of contact persons at risk of infection has been identified and all are under medical supervision.
As it later emerged, the animal was slaughtered without informing the veterinary service. Inspectors took samples of raw materials and slaughter products from the homes of the sick, as well as soil samples from the slaughterhouse. The Republican Veterinary Laboratory carried out studies of the collected materials using bioassay microscopy and PCR.
“The results of bacteriological studies are expected in the near future. In addition, materials for analysis have also been sent to the National Reference Centre for Veterinary Medicine in Almaty.” – the information also says.
According to local authorities, animals were vaccinated against anthrax in the village in question on 12 August. In this regard, restrictions have been introduced on the export of meat and livestock outside the region and on imports from other regions.
