The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has warned of Anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State, calling on neighboring states to be on high alert and take immediate precautionary measures.
Anthrax, a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, affects warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wildlife, and humans.
The disease is classified as a notifiable condition by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.
The ministry noted that “The disease can be transmitted from animals to humans, and the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease include: fever, coughing, vomiting, headache, itching, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and haemorrhages from major openings.”
According to a statement by the ministry signed by Dr Adamu Y. Dakogi, for Director/CVON, it explained, Anthrax is preventable through “coordinated risk assessment and survey as well as ring vaccination of the susceptible animals in high risk areas.”
All the states having borders with Zamfara state have been directed to “be on full alert and monitor the situation of the disease, create awareness, activate Rapid Response Team, communicate the risk, and strengthen disease surveillance activities.”
This call for vigilance underscores the importance of swift action to prevent the spread of Anthrax across the region.
