BAU expert warns of disease risks from Eid sacrificial animals to humans
Published: 09:56 PM, 16 May 2026
BAU expert warns of disease risks from Eid sacrificial animals to humans
Among the most concerning are anthrax (locally known as tarka) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), commonly referred to as khura disease. Both conditions can spread among livestock and, under certain circumstances, be transmitted to humans.
Professor Dr. Md. Amimul Ehsan of the Department of Medicine at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has urged buyers, sellers, and market authorities to exercise heightened caution during the Eid cattle trading period.
He noted that recent anthrax cases have been reported in Rangpur and Gaibandha, where infected individuals developed symptoms such as skin lesions and swelling around the eyes. “Anthrax is a serious zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, meat, or other tissues of infected animals. If such animals enter livestock markets, there is a significant risk of transmission to both humans and other animals. However, this risk can be substantially reduced through routine vaccination and thorough health inspections conducted by expert teams at market entry points,” he said.
Describing clinical signs of anthrax in animals, the professor explained that cases may initially go unnoticed, often culminating in sudden death. In advanced stages, affected animals may exhibit a rapid rise in body temperature, reaching 104–105°F, followed by death within a short period. Post-mortem signs may include dark, tarry blood oozing from natural openings such as the nose, mouth, and anus. He further noted that exposure to air allows the bacteria to form spores, enabling long-term environmental survival. Additional symptoms may include dark or whitish lesions and blisters on the tongue, nose, or throat, along with abnormal behavioural changes such as restlessness or lethargy.
Professor Amimul also highlighted that foot-and-mouth disease is another highly contagious infection commonly observed in sacrificial animals during Eid season. “FMD spreads rapidly through direct and indirect contact and can even travel through air over considerable distances. During peak movement, infected livestock transported from one region to another can facilitate widespread transmission along transport routes,” he said.
He advised livestock owners not to bring sick animals to markets or transport them under any circumstances. Animals should only be sold for sacrifice after proper veterinary treatment and confirmation of recovery.
Professor Amimul further cautioned that unsold animals remaining in markets after Eid may become infected and subsequently transmit diseases back to their local herds.
Addressing public safety, he advised buyers to avoid handling animals that appear weak or ill and to cover any cuts or wounds before visiting cattle markets, as pathogens such as anthrax and tetanus can enter through broken skin. He also recommended thorough handwashing with soap or sanitizer after animal contact.
Finally, Professor Amimul urged proper waste disposal, hygienic handling of meat, and immediate reporting of any suspicious animals to veterinary authorities.
