Anthrax Found In Cow

The first case of anthrax since 2006 has been found in cow at the Wiltshire farm.

19:29 28 October 2015

The Public Health England has confirmed the first case of anthrax since 2006; it was found in a cow in Wiltshire.

 

Wiltshire Council said that it is an isolated case and that it was detected quickly. The cow has now been incinerated and restrictions on movement are in place at the farm.

 

Mike Wade, deputy director of Health Protection for Public Health England South West said: "The risk of infection in close human contacts of the animal is very low, and we are in touch with any potential contacts to offer public health advice."

 

Maggie Rae, director of public health and Wiltshire Council corporate director said: "We worked with our partners both locally and nationally and swift action was taken to deal with the immediate risk.

 

"We know any risk is low. However as you would expect, we are taking this very seriously and we will be doing everything in our power to support the national and local experts to keep Wiltshire safe."

 

Anthrax is spread by spores and has been used for bioweapons programmes in the United States and other countries. The disease is deadly even if the patient receives large doses of antibiotics.