Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has alerted Nigerians to an outbreak of Anthrax, a zoonotic disease, in Zamfara. Director, Information and Public Relations Department in the ministry, Ben Goong, made this known through a statement this afternoon in Abuja. According to Goong, Nigerian should be aware that there is an outbreak of the said disease recorded in a farm in Zamfara state.
According to expert, Anthrax is an infection disease caused by bacterium Bacillus anthracis that can affect warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses and wildlife as well as humans with potential high morbidity and mortality.
The ministry revealed that the disease could be spread through contact with the bacterium’s spores which often appear in infectious animal products or by-products like meat and milk.
Listing its symptoms, it says it include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching and bleeding from major openings.
In an effort to arrest the situation, Goong has called on stakeholders as well as states bordering Zamfara to take immediate steps to prevent further spread of the disease.
He enjoined stakeholders to heighten their surveillance alertness and proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with the disease.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant, report any unusual illnesses in animals or humans and adhere to all preventive guidelines issued by relevant authorities.
“While Anthrax is preventable through coordinated efforts such as risk assessment, surveys and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas, prompt detection and response are critical to containing its spread.
“The ministry remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response,” he said.
NAN
