In two months in the Hautes-Alpes, fifty animals were killed by anthrax. Since the disease can be transmitted to humans, it is important to follow certain instructions.
France had not known this for twenty years. This summer, the Hautes-Alpes department was particularly affected by an animal epidemic of anthrax, called “anthrax” in English. In thirteen municipalities fifty cows, sheep and horses have died since June, according to the prefecture.
What is anthrax
It is a bacterium that causes disease, bacillus anthracis, also called the anthrax bacillus. Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection that can kill a cattle within 24 hours. Animals get sick by inhaling or ingesting spores from contaminated soil, water or plants. Spores can naturally stay for decades in soils without activating.
What is characteristic of the disease in animals is that their spleen turns black. Massive blood flows also often alert breeders. There is an antibiotic treatment but also a vaccine, which the veterinarian prescribes in the event of an epidemic to the rest of the herd. In the present case in Hautes-Alpes, veterinarians are facing a temporary shortage of vaccines, in particular because the Spanish laboratory that produces them is closed in August, which allows the epidemic to spread.
How is the disease transmitted to humans?
While cases are rare, it is quite possible that the disease can be transmitted to humans. How? ‘Or’ What ? Anthrax manifests itself in three distinct forms in humans. First of all the most common: it can be cutaneous, in the event of contact with infected animals or in the event of penetration of the bacteria during a cut or lesion, for example.
It can also be gastrointestinal, in case of consumption of contaminated meat. Consequence, acute inflammation of the digestive system, and a risk of death if the person does not take antibiotic treatment. Finally, the third form of the disease is the most serious. Pulmonary anthrax, which is contracted by inhalation, which is very rare. She would show a death rate of 90% without taking treatment. Note that anthrax is not a contagious disease, it is not transmitted from person to person.
How to avoid it?
To avoid being contaminated, there are some very simple tips to apply. First, do not touch dead animals infected with the disease. Also, do not pick wild berries or mushrooms on the land of the municipalities affected by the disease. Spring water should not be drunk in these areas either. Finally, dogs must be kept away from infected grounds.
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