Anthrax disease has resurfaced in Gunungkidul Regency, where one resident is suspected of having anthrax. This incident has made several areas in Gunungkidul potential hotspots for this zoonotic disease’s transmission.
To provide context, in 2019, 12 people tested positive, resulting in one fatality in Karangmojo and Ponjong. Then, in 2021, seven positive cases emerged in Hargomulyo Village. In 2022, Ponjong recorded 13 positive cases. Lastly, Candirejo Village saw 87 positive cases, with 18 symptomatic cases and one fatality, in 2023.
Professor Agnesia Endang Tri Hastuti Wahyuni, a microbiology specialist from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UGM, explained that the resurgence of anthrax cases is attributed to spores from Bacillus anthracis originating from slaughtered animals or the livestock environment. These anthrax spores are highly resilient and can persist in the soil for decades.
“These spores do not develop in the animal’s body while alive. However, during slaughter, when the bacteria in the blood are exposed to air, they form spores,” stated Professor Wahyuni on Sunday (Mar. 10).
The spores develop when the Bacillus anthracis bacteria comes into contact with oxygen; hence, spores are absent in patients’ bodies or unopened carcasses.
Nevertheless, according to Professor Wahyuni, anthrax can infect not only other livestock but also humans. She advises that animals affected by anthrax and areas serving as anthrax sources must be isolated, and no livestock must enter or exit the vicinity.
“Only designated personnel should enter or leave the area; random individuals must be restricted,” the professor emphasized.
Apart from isolation, farmers should enhance biosecurity measures and administer treatment and supplements to sick animals. Professor Wahyuni mentioned that animals infected with anthrax bacteria can be treated.
The bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics, antiseptics, disinfectants, or temperatures exceeding 54 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Healthy animals should ideally be vaccinated twice a year.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nanung Danar Dono, a lecturer from the Faculty of Animal Science at UGM, highlighted the importance of not slaughtering or consuming carcasses of sick animals to prevent such cases.
“Consuming meat from carcasses is strictly prohibited as it can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. Last year in Semanu, 11 people were infected, resulting in one fatality,” he remarked.
Sick animals must be isolated and treated until they are deemed healthy. In case of a suspected anthrax-infected dead animal, immediate burial or on-site cremation is recommended.
“If cremation facilities are unavailable, bury the animal, seal the site permanently, and refrain from digging it up as spores are highly resistant to disinfectants. Thus, raising awareness and education are pivotal in preventing the recurrence of such cases,” Dr. Dono concluded.
Furthermore, moving dead animals elsewhere is discouraged as it can lead to spore scattering if blood leaks from the carcass.
“There’s a high risk of spore dissemination if the carcass is relocated,” he concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Image: Freepik