The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has alerted Nigerians to an outbreak of Anthrax, a zoonotic disease, in Zamfara.
Mr. Ben Goong, Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry on Tuesday in Abuja, disclosed that the outbreak occurred on a farm in Zamfara.
Goong called on stakeholders and states bordering Zamfara to take immediate action to prevent the further spread of Anthrax.
He urged stakeholders to increase vigilance and adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with 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.
“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 remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response,” he said.
Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can affect warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wildlife, and humans, with the potential for high morbidity and mortality.
The disease spreads through contact with the bacterium’s spores, often found in infectious animal products or by-products.
Symptoms of anthrax include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major openings.
The first recorded anthrax case in Nigeria occurred in July 2023 on a mixed livestock farm in Niger State, where eight cattle died with symptoms such as bleeding from external openings.
Meat inspections are being conducted in abattoirs and butcher shops. Preparedness plans involve mobilizing additional healthcare personnel in anticipation of a surge in cases, along with specialized training for provincial practitioners.
The laboratory continues to operate under a One Health approach for diagnostics, while procurement of laboratory reagents and strict disinfection protocols are being prioritized.