Anthrax outbreak in PNG's Madang

8:00 am on 14 February 2018

Papua New Guinea's Department of Agriculture and Livestock says there is an outbreak of anthrax in Madang.

According to the Post Courier, the mysterious death of 600 pigs in the province in the last two months is being linked to anthrax.

A local child is reportedly in critical condition after emitting worms and displaying symptoms of anthrax infection.

The Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Godfrey Savi, issued a warning to all pig owners.

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An outbreak of anthrax has been declared in Madang Photo: RNZ/Johnny Blades

He said if any pig owners see drooling, swollen necks, high fever, difficulty in breathing or sudden death, they must report this to the department.

Such pigs must not be eaten, but buried whole.

People are also being warned to not eat any pork meat sold or killed at feasts.