The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 has confirmed four cases of anthrax in Sto. Niño, Cagayan after the death of four water buffaloes.
According to DA Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Rosemary Aquino, the buffaloes first showed symptoms on September 21, 2024.
However, the farmers did not report the cases immediately, mistaking the illness for a common disease.
Anthrax, caused by bacteria that can survive in soil, presented symptoms in the buffaloes such as skin lesions and sudden death, both indications of the disease.
Aquino clarified that farmers had been previously advised to bury dead buffaloes immediately to prevent the spread of infection.
Despite the warning, the animals were slaughtered out of the farmers’ reluctance to lose their livestock.
In response to the alarming situation, the DA held a meeting with the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Unit to discuss vaccinating buffaloes aged six months and older.
The purpose of the vaccine is to maintain the health of livestock, but its effectiveness lasts only for one year, necessitating annual vaccinations.
Currently, restrictions on the movement of buffalo meat are in place to prevent the disease from spreading.
Aquino urged Sto. Niño residents to report their livestock and have buffaloes six months and older vaccinated to curb the spread of anthrax.