Lafiya360 reports that the government disclosed this in a public health advisory ahead of this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration.
It disclosed that stakeholders from the animal, human, and environmental health sectors are aware of a confirmed outbreak of anthrax both in human and animal (involving cattle and mostly sheep) by Ghana Health Service since June 1, 2023.
It stated that although there is currently no suspected or confirmed case of anthrax in the country, Nigeria’s close relationship with Ghana through border movement of humans and animals, and strong trade relations comes with a high risk of importation of the disease.
The government reminded Nigerians that adherence to safety advice is pertinent while celebrating, as it expects that there will be significant movement, high volume trade, and slaughter of cattle and other livestock animals in preparation for or as part of the Muslim festival.
A joint statement by the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, and the Director and Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr Columba T. Vakuru, stated that the government has set up FMARD-led national anthrax technical working group (TWG) is a multisectoral and multidisciplinary group with stakeholders from the human, animal, and environmental health sectors, as well as partners, charged with the responsibility to coordinate response and preventive actions across the country.
It said: “Nigerians are advised to adhere to the following precautions to reduce the potential risk of infection and spread of anthrax: Avoid all non-essential travel to the northern region of Ghana, especially the Upper East Region where the outbreak was reported; Exercise caution when buying animals – cows, camels, sheep, goats, and other livestock – from Nigerian states bordering Benin, Chad, and Niger, and from Ghana and Togo via waterways; Carefully observe rams or cattle to be slaughtered for the festive period for signs of sickness before slaughtering.
“Do not slaughter animals at home, rather make use of abattoirs or slaughter slabs; avoid contact with meat/bush meat or animal by-products such as skin, hides (“kpomo”) and milk of a sick or dead animal; do not slaughter sick animals; do not eat products from sick or dead animals; hunters should not pick sick or dead animals from the bush or forest to be sold for human consumption; report any incidence of sudden death of animals to the nearest veterinary authorities or the State Ministry of Agriculture; and anthrax is treatable when reported early. Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms associated with anthrax for prompt treatment.”
Anthrax is a severe disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. It can affect both humans and animals, including wild animals and livestock such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats, etc.
The bacteria, which exist as spores, can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals. Anthrax spores are resistant to extreme conditions and can survive in the soil or environment for decades, making controlling or eradicating the disease very difficult. The spores are brought to the surface by wet weather, by deep digging, or when eaten by livestock or wild animals when they graze.