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Anthrax Suspect in Boyolali, Lab Results Still Negative
Boyolali - The Livestock and Fishery Service Office of Boyolali said the suspected anthrax incident involving a sick cow/bull in Dukuh Tangkisan, Karangmojo village, Klego (not Andong) subdistrict, turns out to be still negative. Therefore the office is trying to identify other possible causes.
“Yes, the test result from the laboratory at Veterinary Disease Investigation Center in Wates, Yogya, is negative,” said Head of the Livestock and Fishery Service Office of Boyolali, Dwi Priyatmoko, on Monday (21/2). He explained that the samples tested were soil samples containing blood remains from the slaughtered animal. There were 5 samples from 5 different points. Blood samples from several adjacent cattle were also included.
“We did face difficulties in getting samples because when the report came in, there was nothing remaining of the animal slaughtered.”
It is suspected that the animal was sick and slaughtered; it could be from food poisoning. “There is a habit of people there feeding their cattle with cassava leaves. Those leaves could possibly contain cyanide, but this is just another possibility, we are still trying to find the definite cause.”
Therefore, the office is conducting vaccination and giving vitamins to cattle in Karangmojo village. Vaccination is also commenced on cattle in Kemusu and Andong subdistricts, which share borders with Sragen district, because there were reports of anthrax in that region.
“A total of 600 cattle have been vaccinated. We are going by procedures for anthrax.”
Suspected Outbreak
Head of the Health Service Office of Boyolali, dr. Yulianto Prabowo, explained that from examination, there is a strong indication of skin anthrax affecting the 9 people in Dukuh Tangkisan. Confirmation of the notion is still waiting for laboratory test results from Jakarta.
“We predict the results will be available by Friday (25/2). Samples submitted were swabs of lesions on patients. We have also reported a possible Anthrax outbreak to the Health Service Office of Central Java.”
Investigation revealed that all nine patients had direct contact or were involved in the slaughtering of the animal. They also suffered the same symptoms, which included fever, vomiting, pain, and headache. Skin lesions in the form of swelling, blistering, and encrusting were also present. ( Joko Murdowo / CN16 / JBSM )
Source : Cybernews