The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has recently confirmed the outbreak of anthrax in Nigeria, marking the first recorded case of the disease in the country in recent years.
This announcement comes after the ministry had previously warned of the potential incursion of anthrax into Nigeria, following outbreaks in neighboring countries like Ghana.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe made the disclosure via a press statement on Monday.
He said “Last week our disease surveillance team reported a suspicion of anthrax in a multi-species animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep, goats and poultry located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger state”.
It may be recalled that a few weeks ago the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development communicated the risk of incursion of Anthrax into the country, following confirmed outbreaks in Ghana and other countries in West Africa.
In response to the outbreak, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger state government, has taken proactive measures to control and contain the disease.
These measures include quarantining the affected farm, deploying 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccines for ring vaccination of susceptible animals around the infected area, and educating farm workers on disease symptoms and preventive measures using a One-Health approach.
Additionally, plans for statewide vaccination of susceptible animals against anthrax are being finalized.
Anthrax is a highly contagious zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
However, it can also infect humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or consume contaminated animal products. The disease can be transmitted through contaminated pasture, feed, and water.
The clinical signs of anthrax in animals include sudden death and the presence of blood oozing from natural body openings. Anthrax spores are known to persist in the environment for long periods, making it crucial to implement swift control measures.
To further combat the spread of the disease, surveillance activities in livestock farms, markets, and abattoirs have been intensified. Targeted public awareness campaigns on anthrax are also being conducted to ensure that livestock owners remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicions of illness or deaths on their farms.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with sick or dead animals and their products, as well as practicing good biosecurity measures.
Livestock owners are therefore urged to report any sudden animal deaths to the nearest veterinary authorities and to use personal protective equipment when handling sick or dead animals.
Vaccination is highlighted as the most effective preventive measure against anthrax in livestock, and the Ministry advises consulting with a veterinarian for guidance.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in close collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministries of Health, Environment, and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, will continue to provide updates on the situation. For further information or inquiries, individuals can reach out to the provided contact details.
With the implementation of these critical measures and the cooperation of all stakeholders, the Ministry aims to effectively contain the outbreak and safeguard both public health and the agricultural sector.
