Ten cattle died on Saturday in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha amid the ongoing anthrax vaccination campaign. This marks the highest number of cattle deaths in a single day since the vaccination drive began to control the outbreak. The Upazila Livestock Department has continued awareness programs, including public announcements through loudspeakers and courtyard meetings, to inform residents about the disease.
According to local reports, four cattle died in Kishamat Sadar village under Belka union, two in Paschim Belka village, one in Shahbaz village under Sarbananda union, two in Chachia Mirganj village under Tarapur union, and one in Alutari neighborhood of ward 9 under Sundarganj municipality. Across several unions of the upazila, more than a thousand cattle have been infected with anthrax.
Mozibur Rahman Montu, a former member of Belka Union Parishad, said that despite being vaccinated, four cattle belonging to Khaybar Hossain, Babuzar Mia, Chand Mia, and Moza Mia of Kishamat Sadar village died on Saturday. Three other cattle in the area remain sick.
He added that on September 29, a sick cow belonging to Mahbubur Rahman was slaughtered. Subsequently, on Thursday, eleven villagers—including Mahbubur and Moza Mia—developed anthrax symptoms after handling the meat. As news spread that five of them were hospitalized in serious condition, panic spread in the village. However, all patients, including six treated locally, have since shown improvement.
Elsewhere, two cattle belonging to Shahjahan Mia of Paschim Belka, one belonging to Forman Ali of Shahbaz village under Sarbananda union, two owned by Shahidul Islam of Chachia Mirganj village under Tarapur union, and one owned by Abdul Matin of Alutari neighborhood died on Saturday.
Following the outbreak, the Upazila Livestock Department has intensified public awareness efforts through loudspeaker announcements and courtyard meetings. Officials are advising residents that anthrax can spread to humans through contact with infected livestock during care, slaughtering, or meat handling. People are being urged not to slaughter animals showing symptoms, to wear gloves while handling sick livestock, and to bury dead animals promptly.
Syed Bodirul Ahsan Selim, chairman of Sonaray Union Parishad, said that livestock officials held several courtyard meetings in his union on Saturday to raise awareness among villagers.
Upazila Livestock Officer Biplob Kumar Dey said that anthrax infections have been detected in various parts of the upazila, affecting both livestock and humans. “We are continuing vaccination drives and raising awareness through loudspeakers, leaflet distribution, courtyard meetings, and discussions involving local representatives and members of the civil society,” he said. He added that with Saturday’s deaths, the total number of cattle deaths in Sundarganj has risen to 11.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Dibakar Basak said there is no cause for panic. “People should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear and take extra precautions when handling infected animals. Diseased cattle should not be slaughtered or butchered under any circumstances,” he said.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Raj Kumar Biswas said that the local administration has formed a monitoring team to oversee the anthrax situation. “The team is continuously observing the developments and conducting awareness activities to inform the public about the disease,” he added.
