By Own Correspondent| At least 8 people are reportedly receiving treatment after consuming meat infected with anthrax in Zvimba.

Sources privy to the development alleged that the disease has affected several cattle in the area which is home to the former president Robert Mugabe.

The affected people are from Kasanze and Chirau villages under Chief Chirau.

Last year, following reports of the suspected anthrax cases, Government availed $30 000 towards the purchase of drugs and management of the disease.

Zvimba district senior veterinary animal health inspector Mr Chemhere Nyamangara also confirmed the suspected cases at a stakeholders’ meeting.

He said:

“It is worrying that despite efforts to educate people on the dangers of eating meat of an animal that has fallen ill or died due to unknown reasons, people still eat it exposing themselves to danger.

People should immediately notify the Department of Veterinary Services whenever they suspect anthrax symptoms both in human beings and in livestock.

We are hearing that some people died in Chirau and cows are being affected by anthrax in Kasanze village.

We encourage people to avoid opening carcasses of cattle that die of natural causes to reduce contamination of pastures by anthrax.”