SIRAJGANJ: Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas Friday said the owners of cattle which died of anthrax pestilence would not get any compensation but the government plans to introduce livestock insurance for the future.

“If any cattle-head die because of irregularities of my office, then compensation will be given by curtailing salaries of the officials and employees responsible,” said the minister in a forewarning for the staff of the sector.    

He made the observations while inaugurating vaccination programme for anthrax virus in Belkuchi upazila.

Admitting lack of manpower and distance between the people and his office, Latif Biswas said appointment of livestock officials at union level is under process at the directive of the Prime Minister.  

Some 129 people have been infected with anthrax, a deadly disease that can transmit from animals to humans, in Shahjadpur, Belkuchi and Kamarkhand upazilas in the last few days.

Besides, 16 cattle and three goats have died from anthrax attacks.

BDST : 1730 HRS, AUG 27, 2010