Health Organizations: 1 Child Dies of Anthrax in Bitlis

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Diyarbakır Chamber of Medicine, Diyarbakır Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons, Diyarbakır Chamber of Dentists, Health and Social Service Laborers’ Union Diyarbakır Branch (SES), have organized a joint press conference about people diagnosed anthrax and their medical condition, quarantine, the number of imported animals and where they were distributed to.

According to Hatice Kamer from BBC Türkçe, it was stated in the press conference that a 10-year-old child lost his or her life of anthrax in Turkey’s eastern province of Bitlis.

Following statements were made in the joint statement:

“Death of the child has increased our concerns”

“Death of a 10-year-old child from Güroymak, Bitlis has increased our concerns regarding anthrax.

“Our concerns and worries increase more considering the rumors that the imported meats causing anthrax have been launched to the market”.

“Veterinaries have been removed from task of inspection”

“As per the regulation dated April 28, 2018, obligation of veterinary inspection on imported animals was lifted and the authorization was granted to agricultural engineers, forest engineers and chemistry engineers”.

Günkırı municipality was put in quarantine

Bitlis’ Günkırı municipality in district of Güroymak was put in quarantine upon anthrax being detected on September 6.

It was stated that all bovines would be vaccinated in the district and villages to prevent anthrax from spreading to places close to the town.

As many as 100 animals had died in the town. (EKN/TK)