Report Type: Surveillance Report
Location: Yushu County, Qinghai Province, China
The director of the Veterinary Department under the Agriculture Ministry reports an increased risk of zoonotic disease activity, primarily anthrax and rabies, among the earthquake survivor population in Qinghai province. An anthrax vaccination campaign targeting the local animal population is underway and the launch of rabies vaccination activities for dogs is expected in the near future. Furthermore, the veterinary official noted concern over the corpses of more than 40,000 livestock killed in the April 14th earthquake, which may promote infectious disease transmission to humans. Disinfection and disposal of the animal carcasses is currently underway. Similar to our risk assessment pertaining to Haiti, if the food security situation in Qinghai province deteriorates, the risk of infectious disease transmission stemming from the local animal population will increase.
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