JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities have declared two villages on Java Island in Gedangsari district as red zones and banned livestock movement from the area after the deaths of several farm animals from anthrax, official said in a statement.

One of the officials of the agriculture office in the Gunung Kidul region of Java Kelik Yuniantoro confirmed the suspicion of anthrax in Gedangsari District.

Seven cattle and a goat have so far tested positive for anthrax among 15 farm animals that have died in recent days, Kelik said.

He further added that authorities are awaiting more test results and there were 23 people with skin infections likely from handling or consuming infected animals.

“Areas, where the dead animals were from, are now red zones. All livestock from those regions are not allowed to leave, for now, animal markets were also disinfected and veterinary inspections are being tightened up and authorities would monitor the community’s health situation for four months,” authorities added.

According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, anthrax is a bacteria found naturally in soil and commonly affects animals that breathe in or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water.

Anthrax is not contagious and humans can only get infected by ingesting the bacteria. It can be prevented in animals via regular vaccination.