THE Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has confirmed the outbreak of Anthrax in Nigeria.
According to media reports, this information was contained in a statement, on Monday, July 17, 2023, with the subject ‘CONFIRMATION OF FIRST ANTHRAX CASE IN NIGERIA’, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe.
Umakhihe, in confirming the first case, said it was detected in Niger State, close to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on a farm on Sunday, July 16, 2023, by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)-Vom, Plateau State.
The statement reads in part: “Last week, our disease surveillance team reported suspicion of Anthrax in a multi-species animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway Suleja LGA Niger State.
“A Rapid Response Team comprising of Federal and State One-Health professionals visited the farm and conducted a detailed disease outbreak investigation.
“On July 16, 2023, the Ministry received a report of confirmation of Anthrax in Niger State, from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)-Vom, Plateau state, making it the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.”
The statement added that: “The Federal Government, through the Ministry and in collaboration with the Niger State Government has taken proactive measures to timely control and contain the disease. Such measures include quarantine of the affected farm; deployment of 50,000 doses of Anthrax vaccines for ring vaccination of susceptible animals’ species around the infected farm; educating the farm workers using a One-health approach on the symptoms, and preventive measures and what to do when they notice any sign of the disease.
“Finalisation of a plan for statewide vaccination of susceptible animals against Anthrax; intensification of passive surveillance activities in livestock farms, markets and abattoirs; and heightening targeted public awareness campaigns on anthrax.”
However, the Ministry warned livestock owners to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicion of illness or death on their farms.
“Also, the Ministry hereby urges all livestock owners to: Remain very vigilant and promptly report any suspicion of illness or deaths on their farms; avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products.
“Avoid slaughtering of sick animals; Slaughtering of sick animals can expose people to anthrax spores; avoid contact with wild animals and products such as ‘bush’ meat.
“Report any incidence of sudden death of animals to the nearest veterinary authorities; use personal protective equipment (gloves, facemasks, goggles, boots) when handling sick animals or dead animals.
“Practice good biosecurity measures; dispose of all carcasses of animals in an environmentally friendly manner and consultation with veterinarians, environmental and public health officers.
“Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax in livestock, consult with a veterinarian.”
