Chennai: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has confirmed the presence of anthrax — a highly infectious disease that can spread to humans — in a deer carcass found on campus.
In a statement issued Friday, the institute said at least four deer had been found dead on campus in the past two days. The presence of anthrax was detected in one of the carcasses, while samples from the other three were inconclusive.
“Standard operating procedures are being followed in disposing of the carcass. The area where it was found has been sanitised and cordoned off,” the statement further said.
The institute is going by the advice of the wildlife warden with regard to safety measures on campus, and the wildlife and animal husbandry authorities, along with the Chennai Corporation, are guiding the institute on protocols for the disease, it added.
Those who were in close proximity with the carcass or handled it have been put on a course of antibiotics for the next 10 days.
IIT Madras will also start vaccinations against anthrax (for humans) very soon. A team of nine people is observing the wildlife on campus for any symptoms round the clock for immediate intervention, and an antibiotic dosage is also being administered.
The institute said it is analysing all possibilities of how the disease could have entered the campus. This is the first time since its inception that such an outbreak has been witnessed.
The deer and other wildlife do not go out of campus. The dogs, being carriers, could be one of the reasons, the statement said, adding: “It is an emergency but not a panic situation. We have handled a pandemic so we are geared and on full alert.”
Also Read: NATO Secretary General suspects Russia of plans to use chemical weapons
What is anthrax?
Anthrax is a serious, infectious disease caused by rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world.
Humans can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Anthrax can cause severe illness in both humans and animals.
There’s no evidence that anthrax can be transmitted from person to person, but it’s possible that anthrax skin lesions may be contagious through direct contact or contact with a contaminated object.
Usually, anthrax bacteria enter the body through a wound in the skin. One can also get infected by consuming contaminated meat or inhaling the spores.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)
Also Read: Bioweapons research is banned by international treaty – but no one is checking for violations
Source: The Print
