Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Livestock Development, has confirmed an outbreak of Anthrax in Zamfara State, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures to contain its spread.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by Ben Bem Goong, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Ministry announced, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development wishes to officially notify the public of a confirmed outbreak of Anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State.”
The statement described Anthrax as a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which affects livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and humans. It is considered a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its high mortality risk.
Symptoms of the disease in animals and humans include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major openings.
The Ministry emphasised the importance of preventive measures, stating, “While Anthrax is preventable through coordinated efforts such as risk assessment, surveys, and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas, prompt detection and response are critical to containing its spread.”
The Ministry called on neighbouring states to Zamfara to act swiftly to prevent further outbreaks.
“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.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development pledged its commitment to working with stakeholders for a swift and effective response.