ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Government has issued a public warning regarding an outbreak of the deadly Anthrax disease in neighbouring West African countries, advising Nigerians to avoid consuming hides (pomo), smoked meat, and bush meat for the time being.
The alert was made public in a statement by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
He revealed that the affected countries include Northern Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
Anthrax, a bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans, has reportedly claimed several lives in these regions.
The disease’s spores, naturally found in soil, commonly affect domestic and wild animals. Humans can contract the disease through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
However, anthrax is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of anthrax resemble those of the flu, including cough, fever, and muscle aches. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock, and death.
Fortunately, as a bacterial disease, Anthrax responds well to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.
Anthrax can be transmitted to humans through the inhalation of spores or consumption of contaminated animal products such as hides, skin, meat, or milk.
Umakhihe highlighted that annual vaccinations against Anthrax are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Plateau, and it is the cheapest and easiest means of disease prevention and control in animals.
However, only animals at risk can be vaccinated, not those already infected.
Given the current situation, the Permanent Secretary emphasized the need to intensify animal vaccinations in border states like Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos due to their proximity to the affected countries.
He urged other Nigerian states to participate in the vaccination effort to prevent the spread of the disease.
He further advised deep burial for infected dead animals, followed by the application of Anthrax-killing chemicals on the equipment used in the process.
He urged the public to refrain from consuming pomo, smoked meat, and bush meat due to the risk they pose until the situation is under control.
To alleviate public concern, Dr Umakhihe informed that the Federal Government has renewed a Standing Committee on controlling anthrax and contacted relevant institutions and collaborators to control the outbreak.
Additionally, State Directors of Veterinary Services nationwide are being sensitized about the situation.
