The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has sounded an alarm about an outbreak of anthrax, a highly infectious zoonotic disease, in Zamfara State.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mr. Ben Goong, revealed that the outbreak was confirmed on a farm within Zamfara.
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, affects warm-blooded animals like cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and even wildlife. Humans are also susceptible to the disease, which is known for its high morbidity and mortality rates.
The disease can spread through contact with spores of the bacterium, often found in contaminated animal products or by-products.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of anthrax in humans include fever, coughing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, skin irritation, and, in severe cases, bleeding from major openings.
Government’s Call to Action
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has urged neighboring states and stakeholders to take proactive measures to prevent the disease from spreading further.
“We appeal to the public to stay alert, report any unusual illnesses in both animals and humans, and follow all preventive measures issued by the authorities,” Goong stated.
The ministry emphasized that while anthrax is preventable through targeted strategies like risk assessment, surveillance, and ring vaccination of at-risk animals, early detection and swift response are crucial to controlling outbreaks.
“The ministry remains dedicated to working with all stakeholders to ensure an efficient response to this health challenge,” Goong added.
At NIGPOST, we are committed to keeping you informed about critical health issues.
Stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and report any concerns to the appropriate health authorities.
Leave a Reply