Federal ministry announces Anthrax outbreak in Zamfara

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has announced a confirmed outbreak of Anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State.

This development according to a statement from the Ministry calls for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the disease.

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that can affect various warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans.

It is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its potential to cause high morbidity and mortality.

According to the statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Ben Bem Goong, in animals and humans, symptoms of Anthrax include: Fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching and bleeding from major openings.

ALSO READ: Hunters rescue kidnap victim in Kogi

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 however, called on stakeholders, especially states bordering Zamfara, to take immediate steps to prevent further spread of the disease.

“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 Federal Ministry of Livestock Development remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response”, the statement added.

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE