Careful with those skins - case of anthrax found in NYC

[CongaCaja]

I'm sure how one can tell what are safe sources of skins, but I had no idea this was a possibility.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/02/22/anthrax.hospital/index.html

mucho cuidado...

cjk

[Luke]

When I heard this news yesterday, I freaked out, thinking it might have been Isaac, who is well known in these forums. I got in touch with him, though, and he's fine.
My uninformed theory is that skins with the hair on, such as the goat skins commonly seen on djembes, would be more likely to allow any spores to become airborne than the bare skins used on congas. Still, it's a creepy thought.

[Bataboom]

I freaked my self because I have been in contact with about 10-15 different djembe's I have ordered from a source that gets them from Africa. Some sellers announce they test thier drums for anthrax before shipping. Some dont say that.
scarey!

[Isaac]

The anthrax possibilities on untreated djembe goat
skins that have been lying on the ground
for a while has been known for a long time.
The West African sellers advertise "Anthrax Free"
Skins.
I have never heard of this in 25 plus years regarding
any type of conga skins.
OK djembe dudes, time to learn congas!
All kidding aside, I hope the guy infected recovers.

~ ISAAC ~

ps. Luke, thanks for your email earlier today.

[Bataboom]

The anthrax possibilities on untreated djembe goat
skins that have been lying on the ground
for a while has been known for a long time.
The West African sellers advertise "Anthrax Free"
Skins.
I have never heard of this in 25 plus years regarding
any type of conga skins.
OK djembe dudes, time to learn congas!
All kidding aside, I hope the guy infected recovers.

~ ISAAC ~

ps. Luke, thanks for your email earlier today.

All I know is this is what the site says:

Anthrax The leather heads are animal skins, and many from Africa and Asia can transmit anthrax. While most producers and sellers ignore this risk, we have each of our drums tested before shipping to ensure they are anthrax free. Don’t endanger yourself and your family.