Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government is alerting the general public on the outbreak of anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region, specifically, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
In a statement released on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that the disease, which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease (zoonotic disease) that affects both animals and humans.
It warned that anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products,” the statement said.
However, anthrax is not a contagious disease, so one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.
“Signs of anthrax are flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and, if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death,” it added.
The FG used the notice to quell whatever panic might arise, warning that anthrax being a bacterial disease, responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.
“Being a bacterial disease, it responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy. It is primarily a disease of animals, but because of man’s closeness to animals, non-vaccinated animals with anthrax can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated/infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk,” the statement noted.
The FG explained that annual vaccinations with anthrax spore vaccines are available at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, adding that it is the cheapest and easiest means of prevention and control of the disease in animals.
“However, infected animals cannot be vaccinated, but animals at risk can be vaccinated,” it added.
So, in this present case, it said there is a need to intensify animal vaccinations along the border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.
Other states of Nigeria were equally advised to join in the exercise.
The ministry put forward that infected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil along with equipment used in the burial after applying chemicals that will kill the anthrax spores.
“The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risks until the situation is brought under control.
“Meanwhile, the Public is urged to remain calm and vigilant as the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Furthermore, relevant institutions and collaborators have been contacted with the aim of controlling the outbreak. This is in addition to the sensitization of State Directors of Veterinary Services nationwide,” the notice said.
