The Zambian Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Michael Katambo, has confirmed the outbreak of anthrax in Western Province. The government has ordered a quarantine of cattle in the province.

The minister said that government was also undertaking mass vaccination of all cattle in addition to restricting their movement. “We have intensified surveillance in all anthrax hotpots, and we are calling on all farmers to make their animals available for vaccination,” said Katambo in a statement released by his ministry.

The anthrax outbreak is mainly affecting Mongu, Nalolo, Kalabo, Sioma and Shangombo districts. Anthrax is a killer disease of animals and humans, and is mainly transmitted by consumption of meat from diseased cattle.