Nigerian Hajj pilgrims warned against eating ponmo, bush meat, others

THE Federal Ministry of Health has warned Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia to avoid the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat in the holy land following the outbreak of anthrax, a zoonotic disease that primarily affects animals and man, in some countries neighbouring Nigeria.

This warning was contained in an undated advisory signed by the Commissioner, Health, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)/Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa.

The advisory, directed to all NAHCON medical team members, staff and pilgrims, indicated that the Federal Ministry of Health had just been informed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on the outbreak of the disease in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region, specifically Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo.

It said: “Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly infect domestic and wild animals. They are non-contagious, but man can get infected by coming in contact with an infected animal or contaminated animal products.

“The disease has flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever and muscle aches. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death. However, being a bacterial disease, it responds to antibiotics.

“It is primarily an animal disease. Non-vaccinated animals with anthrax can easily transmit to man through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of anthrax products such as hide and skin, meat and milk.

“To this end, the Federal Ministry of Health is inclined to advise that intending pilgrims pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to desist from consumption of hides (Ponmo) smoked meat, bush meat until situation is brought under control as they pose serious risks to the pilgrims.”

Dr Dumbulwa expressed concern that pilgrims and traders from southwestern states bordering Togo Republic might export such animal products.

He urged all personnel of the NAHCON medical team to “note the observation and advise accordingly where necessary as a preventive measure.”