The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), has alerted the general public on the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring West African countries, including Northern Ghana Bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
The disease, which it described as Bacterial and Zoonotic, has claimed some lives, and affects both animals and man, adding that Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, in a statement yesterday, said: “People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.”
He however noted that Anthrax is not a contagious disease and 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.
“Being a bacterial disease, it responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.”
He also explained that “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.”
People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.
Umakhihe informed that annual vaccinations with Anthrax spore vaccines are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, and is the cheapest and easiest means of prevention and control of the disease in animals.
He added that “Infected animals cannot be vaccinated but animals at risk can be vaccinated. So in this present case, there is the need to intensify animal vaccinations along 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 are equally advised to join in the exercise.”
“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 (pomo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control,” he advised.
Meanwhile, he urged the public to remain calm and vigilant as the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the FMARD.
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.
