FG Confirms Outbreak Of Infectious Decease In Zamfara

The Federal Government has, through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, confirmed the outbreak of anthrax, a rare yet severe bacterial infection that can impact both humans and animals, in Zamfara State.

The decease was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public, Ben Bem Goong.

The statement noted that the outbreak was recorded on a farm in the northwest state.

It called 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.

“In animals and humans, symptoms of Anthrax include: Fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching and bleeding from major openings.

“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 statement read in part.

The ministry has urged neighbouring states of Zamfara to take prompt action to halt the further transmission of the disease.

It also encouraged the public to stay alert and report any unusual health issues in both animals and humans, and follow all preventive measures recommended by the appropriate authorities.