KHAR: Several people have been affected by anthrax which has also killed some animals in Mamond tehisl of Bajaur Agency, local people and officials of political administration informed Dawn on Friday.

The disease is common in farm animals, but there’s a small chance that people can get it as well, usually from some type of contact with an animal that has anthrax.

The officials said the disease had been reported in Niaga area, some 16 kilometres from the agency headquarters, Khar.

They said at least six people had been affected by the disease while six cattle killed. The local livestock department has confirmed the outbreak of anthrax in the area. Assistant director livestock Dr Ahmad Younis said the disease had killed several animals and affected a number of others.

The official said the livestock department was taking all out measures to control the disease, adding 10 teams had been in the affected area since Saturday, which had so far vaccinated about 500 animals against the disease.

He said anti-Congo spray had also been launched in the area while free anti-tick vaccine was distributed among the people.

Meanwhile, the local health department also confirmed that at least six people had been affected by anthrax virus in Mamond tehsil.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2016