Abuja — The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has raised an alarm over a confirmed outbreak of anthrax on a farm in Zamfara State. The ministry urged heightened vigilance and immediate preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
In a statement issued by Ben Bem Goong, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry, it was revealed that the anthrax outbreak poses a serious threat to public health and livestock. “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development wishes to officially notify the public of a confirmed outbreak of anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State. This development calls for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the disease,” the statement read.
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It primarily affects warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife but can also infect humans. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) lists anthrax as a notifiable disease due to its potential to cause widespread illness and fatalities.
Symptoms of anthrax in animals and humans include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, skin itching, and bleeding from major body openings.
Preventive Measures and Containment Efforts
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development emphasized that anthrax is preventable through targeted actions, including risk assessments, surveys, and the ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas. However, timely detection and response remain critical to halting its spread.
To safeguard both human and animal populations, the ministry has urged livestock farmers to implement the following preventive measures:
- Conduct regular health checks on livestock and wildlife.
- Isolate any sick animals and report unusual illnesses to veterinary and public health authorities.
- Adhere to vaccination protocols in high-risk areas.
- Maintain strict hygiene practices, particularly when handling animals or animal products.
Call for Immediate Action
The ministry called on states bordering Zamfara to act swiftly in preventing further transmission of the disease. Neighboring states are advised to monitor livestock movements, enhance disease surveillance, and sensitize local communities on recognizing anthrax symptoms.
“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,” the statement added.
Public Health Importance
The outbreak underscores the interconnectedness of animal health, human health, and the environment. The ministry reiterated the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, veterinary professionals, and public health officials in mitigating the risks of zoonotic diseases like anthrax.
By acting promptly and adhering to the outlined preventive measures, Nigeria can minimize the impact of this outbreak and safeguard the health of its citizens and livestock.
For updates and guidance, the public is encouraged to follow directives from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and other relevant agencies.
