At least six people and more than 200 cattle have died in Lupane District in Zimbabwe's western province of Matabeleland North following an outbreak of anthrax, the daily newspaper The Chronicle reported on Friday.

Although Provincial Medical Director for Matabeleland North Irene Ndiweni could not comment, saying she was attending a conference in Victoria Falls, sources in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare insisted that six people have died so far from the disease.

Some of the villagers who ate the affected meat are reported to be still undergoing treatment.

Principal Director in the Department of Veterinary Services Stuart Hargreaves said he had not yet received a comprehensive report on the anthrax outbreak.

Provincial Veterinary Officer in Matabeleland North Dr Polex Moyo confirmed the outbreak of the disease but said it was now under control.

"There was an outbreak of anthrax in Dongamuzi last week where a large number of cattle died. I cannot give you the correct figures now about the number of the cattle which died since I am not in my office but it was a large number," said Dr Moyo.

"We have put the area under quarantine. We have also vaccinated the area and the situation is coming under control. Villagers should rest assured that their cattle will be saved."

Reports emanating from Lupane indicate that many villagers lost their cattle to the disease.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2008)