Biological Hazard in India on Saturday, Description Biohazard name: Anthrax (deer) Biohazard level: 4/4 Hazardous Four sambars have died at Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary deer park in the past 48 hours, triggering fears of a lethal anthrax infection that also affects humans. While one sambar died in the small hours of today, three breathed their last on October 23. Sensing danger, a team of vets from Chandil and Seraikela, along with sanctuary officials, sent blood samples of the carcasses today to Veterinary College, Kanke, in Ranchi, to confirm anthrax. The report is expected early next week. There are 11 sambars and 35 spotted deer at the 10-hectare park in Makulakocha village, part of the sanctuary, a tourist attraction some 25km off Jamshedpur. Ranchi (wildlife division) DFO Kamlesh Pandey said they suspected anthrax behind the fatalities. But this can be confirmed only after a blood test, he added. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, form dormant spores that can survive for centuries, even in harsh Antarctica. If it spreads, it can cause an epidemic. The infection, which attacks pulmonary, gastrointestinal or cutaneous organs, was once widespread across the world and persists in developing countries. It fatally infects humans and animals through contact on broken skin and through the food chain. Infection occurs through inhalation or intake of spores in any form, or broken skin coming into contact with the Bacillus. French scientist Louis Pasteur developed the first effective vaccine for anthrax in 1881. Carcasses of animals with active anthrax at the time of death being a source of infection, the four deer have been buried at a depth of 8ft at a faraway place, Pandey said. Biohazard name: Anthrax (deer) Biohazard level: 4/4 Hazardous Biohazard desc.: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release. Symptoms: Status: confirmed
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 11:23:06 +0000
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