a mortal risk for humans

Analyzes have just highlighted the presence of anthrax in two cattle, in the Hautes-Alpes. Between June 30 and July 8, seven animals, from four different farms, died. "It is therefore necessary – in the municipalities of La Bâtie-Neuve and Montgardin – to respect the pastures' enclosures, not to touch the found dead animals, to keep the dogs on a leash and not to pick wild berries and mushrooms", indicated the prefecture by communiqué.

The breeders, the veterinary surgeons, and the rendering plants are the populations most likely to have been contaminated by the anthrax, because of having been in contact with the dead animals, but one can also contract it by eating or drinking. The withdrawal of human consumption from all products likely to be contaminated has thus been ordered by the State, as has the prohibition of the use of private sector water supplies for livestock and people. [19659003Withouttreatmentthemortalityrateismorethan90%

The disease has three distinct forms: anthrax contracted by pulmonary route, anthrax contracted by the cutaneous route and gastro-intestinal anthrax.

– Pulmonary anthrax: the disease begins with fatigue, fever and respiratory tract infection. These first symptoms are followed by acute lung problems, a bloody cough and finally by pulmonary and cardio-circulatory failure that can lead to death within 2 to 3 days after the onset of infection. Without treatment, the mortality rate is over 90%. The administration of antibiotics is only effective at the first stage of the disease.

– Cutaneous Anthrax: Infection occurs by penetration of the pathogen into the body through cuts or small skin lesions, contact with contaminated animal products (eg, leather), or direct contact with infected animals. Pustules, resembling insect bites, appear on the skin. After 2 to 6 days, they give ulcerations of 2 to 3 cm in diameter with eschars. Without treatment, the lethality approaches the 20%, whereas with treatment, it is less than 1%.

– Gastrointestinal Anthrax: The infection is caused by the ingestion of contaminated meat and results in acute inflammation of the digestive system. The first symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and fever, are followed by stomach cramps, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. In the absence of treatment, this form of anthrax has a mortality rate of 25 to 60%.

Preventive Antibiotic Therapy

The animals concerned are therefore not allowed to leave the pastures where they are, and the four farms were either vaccinated or treated with anti-biotics. The people who handled the dead dead bodies were all, in connection with the ARS, identified and referred to their attending physician in order to benefit from preventive antibiotic treatment. Anthrax is not transmitted from person to person.

Breeders and veterinarians suspected of having a case of the disease should contact the DDCSPP on 04 92 22 22 30. The origin of the contamination remains mysterious for the moment.