Anthrax, a disease which causes fever, swelling and often death in animals, has spread to an epidemic proportion in remote Galdha VDC-7 of Palpa district.

Authorities have started an awareness campaign in the VDC upon detection of Anthrax virus in dead cattle.

The District Veterinary Office said a campaign has been launched in the affected areas to immunise the animals. Veterinarian Dr Uttam Acharya said they will provide 300 vials of vaccines to the animals in the affected areas.

Dal Bahadur Jargha, former chairman of the VDC, said around 40 cattle have died in the last five months. The lab test conducted by a team of veterinarians from Tansen and Pokhara confirmed that the cattle had died of anthrax infection.

There are 60 households in the Galdha. Health officials and veterinarians said there has been no case of the virus infecting humans so far. Dr Japendra Dhakal of District Hospital said the disease can be transmitted to humans if they use animal products. The disease could be fatal if not treated in time.

Health workers said people suffering from Anthrax will show the symptoms of fever, common cold, and skin infections.

Ganesh Gaire, an auxiliary health worker at Galdha Health Post, said villagers have been informed about the disease and its symptoms.