The Gangachara upazila administration has banned the slaughter of cattle without official clearance to prevent the spread of anthrax.
Mahmud Hasan Mridha, upazila nirbahi officer, said that the outbreak of anthrax had been reported across Rangpur district.
鈥楢s anthrax can transmit from animals to humans, this precautionary step is necessary,鈥� he added.
The directive requires meat traders to obtain clearance from the upazila livestock office or veterinary hospital before slaughtering any animal. Violators may face legal action, the UNO warned.
Notices showing test reports are displayed at butcher shops in Rangpur city, including Medical East Gate, Dhap, Lal Kuthir intersection, City Bazar and the bus terminal.
Customers are reportedly refusing beef without valid test certification.
Cattle scheduled for slaughter are inspected the night before, and only those passing receive clearance for processing.
Health authorities reported 53 people with anthrax-like symptoms in Pirgachha, Kaunia and Mithapukur in the district, with two suspected deaths. Patients are receiving treatment at local health complexes.
Officials confirmed the outbreak is of the cutaneous type, which affects the skin and is not highly contagious between humans.
Rangpur district livestock officer Abu Sayeed said that vaccination campaigns had covered livestock in Pirgachha, Kaunia, Mithapukur and Rangpur Sadar, and animals were being screened prior to slaughter to contain the outbreak.
