Anthrax found in cow in Wiltshire in first case of disease in an animal since 2006

The animal was found to be infected with anthrax after it died last week (file image)
EPA/DANIEL HAMBURY
Robin de Peyer27 October 2015

Anthrax has been found in a cow in Wiltshire in the first case of the disease in an animal since 2006.

Public Health England said the case was detected after the death of a cow in the Westbury area last week.

The cow has been incinerated and restrictions have been placed on the farm.

PHE said: "The risk of infection in close human contacts of the animal is very low."

Mike Wade, deputy director of Health Protection for PHE South West, said: "We are aware of a confirmed case of anthrax disease in a cow in the Westbury area of Wiltshire.

"The risk of infection in close human contacts of the animal is very low, and we are in touch with any potential contacts to offer public health advice."

Anthrax is a bacterial disease which primarily affects herbivorous animals, although all mammals are susceptible to infection.

Human cases of anthrax are very rare - with the last case occurring in 2008.

Wiltshire Council said "robust action" was taken immediately.

A spokeswoman said: "We worked with our partners both locally and nationally and swift action was taken to deal with the immediate risk.

"We know any risk is low; however, as you would expect, we are taking this very seriously and we will be doing everything in our power to support the national and local experts to keep Wiltshire safe."

A local footpath close to the farm has been closed and it was confirmed that no cattle from the field have entered the food chain.

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