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Cattle herders in Port Loko District have recorded over a billion Leone in loss as a result of the Anthrax outbreak and quarantine measures instituted by the spread of the animal to animal and animal to human transmission of the bacteria.
The chairman of cattle farmers Association in Port Loko District, Mr Chernor Jalloh that since the outbreak of the Anthrax disease which has killed hundreds of livestock ,and the institution of ban on transportation of cattle, goats , and sheep’s they have lost their livelihood.
He said the Anthrax outbreak and restrictions have cost them over a billion Leones.
This came following confirmed case of Anthrax outbreak in cattle sheep’s, goats and humans in port Loko and Karen district.
According to the government directives, movement and transportation of livestock from the district of PortLoko, Kambia and Karen to any non-affected district is strictly prohibited.
As of June 17, 2022, a total of six (animal to human) anthrax cases were reported including five confirmed cases and one probable case.
Chernor called on Authorities to provide them with subsidy to lessen the effect on them, as cattle farming is their main source of livelihood and economic activity.
Isatu Wurie Jalloh, a cattle farmer, maintained that many farmers depends on cattle rearing to feed their families, pay medical bills and school fees . She said that because of the Anthrax outbreak and restrictions, they are no longer selling cowmilk which is their main source of revenue to support their families and care for the cattle.
The livestock division of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation have quarantined 12 cowsheds in PortLoko District.
Anthrax is primarily a zoonotic disease, meaning that humans usually pick it up from infected animals.
Victims are usuallypeople who work closely with animals.
