Anthrax scare on Kolkata's outskirts

KOLKATA: The state animal husbandry department is probing a suspected anthrax outbreak in North 24 Parganas’ Habra-II block after 22 buffaloes died in Guma Ghoshpara in last one week.
North 24 Parganas district veterinary officer Gautam Kumar Nandi on Monday led a team of veterinary experts to the affected zone to not only collect blood samples of the affected cattle but also apply anti-anthrax vaccine as a precautionary measure.He said, “The affected cattle are showing symptoms which indicate anthrax infections. This, however, can only be confirmed after we get the blood reports.”
Locals, who fear a possible human infection, are also panicked. North 24 Parganas CMOH Pralay Acharya said, “We are keeping a close watch on the situation. The animal husbandry department is taking precautionary steps.”