Eight cases of anthrax have been confirmed in Pirgachha Upazila of Rangpur, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).
The diagnosis follows a recent surge in cattle deaths in the area and growing concerns over human infections linked to contact with infected animals.
Dr Ruhul Amin, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Rangpur, confirmed the findings in a phone conversation with Jago News on the night of Tuesday, September 30.
He noted that suspected anthrax cases have also emerged in neighboring Mithapukur and Kaunia upazilas.
The outbreak traces back to early August, when cattle in Pirgachha began dying suddenly. Local authorities alerted the Health and Livestock Departments, prompting IEDCR to dispatch a team on September 13-14. The team collected samples from 12 individuals showing symptoms; anthrax was confirmed in eight.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, transmitted from animals to humans, but does not spread from person to person. Infection typically occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids, meat, bones, or internal organs of infected livestock. The most common symptom in humans is skin lesions or sores.
Health officials are urging the Livestock Department to intensify vaccination efforts for cattle and goats to curb further spread.
Dr Muhammad Tanvir Hasnat Robin, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, reported that approximately 50 suspected cases have been identified in Pirgachha so far – 30 treated at the Upazila Health Complex and another 20 seeking care elsewhere.
A recent medical outreach team met 15-20 patients in affected villages, with about 90 per cent showing signs of recovery.
Two deaths in Pirgachha initially raised alarm, but IEDCR’s review of medical records concluded the fatalities were not directly caused by anthrax, though both individuals tested positive for anthrax bacteria.
Local farmers described devastating livestock losses. In villages including Anantaram, Deuti, Purba Parul, and Anandi Dhaniaram, at least 200 cattle reportedly died between August and September. Residents like Muzaffar Miah, Khoka Miah, Shah Alam Miah, and Moshiar Rahman recounted losing multiple cows and goats, some worth hundreds of thousands of taka, despite veterinary intervention.
“The cow had a fever by afternoon and was dead by morning,” said Mozaffar Hossain of Anantaram. “I had to sell my remaining cattle for almost nothing.”
According to the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, anthrax was confirmed in livestock samples from four unions in Pirgachha. IEDCR later tested human samples from Pirgachha Sadar and Parul unions, confirming eight infections. Additional samples from eight more suspected cases in Kaunia and Mithapukur have been sent to IEDCR; results are pending.
Health authorities emphasized that this is the first recorded anthrax outbreak in Rangpur. Of particular concern is the detection of anthrax bacteria not only in beef but also in goat meat, heightening public health risks.
Dr Ruhul Amin warned against slaughtering or consuming meat from sick animals and assured that sufficient antibiotics are available at the Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
He stressed that prevention lies primarily with the Livestock Department through vaccination and surveillance.
Dr Abu Sayeed, District Livestock Officer, confirmed that mass vaccination campaigns are now underway across Pirgachha and neighbouring upazilas including Rangpur Sadar and Gangachara. He noted that three anthrax-like cases in Mithapukur in early September were likely linked to contaminated refrigerated meat but have since been treated.
“There is no reason for panic,” Dr Sayeed said, adding that awareness campaigns are being conducted in mosques, temples, markets, and community centers. “No new infected animals have been reported recently.”
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to report sick or dead livestock immediately and avoid handling or consuming meat from unknown or diseased animals.