Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, anthrax epidemic in Kurram leaves dozens of cows dead

—Note: Images in this story may be distressful for some readers

PARACHINAR: Just a few days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the deadly but common anthrax disease has left dozens of cows dead in Kurram district's Karman area, four tribal leaders said, appealing to the government to immediately take action before the virus spreads throughout the region.

According to the leaders, local people were alarmed and fearful of the disease that left many of their livestock dead and, in process, deprived them of their sources of income.

Speaking to media, the four tribal elders — Malik Haji Nisar Hussain, Malik Dildar, Haji Mumtaz, and Murtaza Tori — said the anthrax attack occurred a few days ago and locals informed them that the lethal disease killed their animals in a very short time.

The speed and the rate at which the animals were dying had become a major concern for them.

One of the local people, Anwar Ali, explained that he was extremely poor and the death of his cows had left him with only his faith in God to ensure his bread and butter.

Malik Dildar, the tribal leader, said the disease was leading to a huge loss for the people and, therefore, appealed to the government to help stop and eradicate the disease.

He added that the leadership should also make efforts to help those impacted by the disease as there had been no action. If not immediately stopped, Dildar said, anthrax could spread throughout the area.

The district's senior veterinary officer, Mazhar Ali, told Geo News that there was an anthrax epidemic in the area and, upon receiving information on it, they had vaccinated the animals. Samples had also been sent to Peshawar for testing, Ali added.

The officer said there was an attack of a similar disease in west Kurram district a few years ago but it was controlled later.