(a) whether anthrax-related deaths have been reported from certain parts of the country including Jharkhand in the recent months;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the financial and technical assistance provided to the States/UTs to investigate, combat and prevent the disease, State/UT-wise; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to launch vaccination drive against the disease?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) & (b): During 2014, outbreaks of Anthrax have been reported from various districts of Orissa and West Bengal. An outbreak of Anthrax was also reported in Kuruchdega village in Simdega district of Jaharkhand. A total of 13 cases with 5 deaths were reported.
(c): Under IDSP, the districts and States have been strengthened by providing additional manpower, training of identified Rapid Response Team (RRT) members for outbreak investigations, strengthening of laboratories for detection of epidemic prone diseases, ICT equipment for data entry, analysis and data transfer.
Funds are released under IDSP to all the States as grant –in –aid to undertake diseases surveillance activities. So far during the year 2014-15, a sum of Rs. 30.76 crores has been released.
(d): The vaccination in animals against Anthrax is undertaken by the State Animal Husbandry Department.