The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria has issued a warning urging Nigerians to refrain from consuming hides (known as ‘ponmo’), smoked meat, and bush meat.
This caution comes in response to the outbreak of Anthrax in neighboring countries.
Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the necessity of alerting the public about the disease, which is currently affecting Northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans. Its spores are naturally present in the soil and commonly affect both domestic and wild animals.
While contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products can lead to Anthrax spore infection, it is not a contagious disease.
Symptoms of Anthrax include flu-like signs such as cough, fever, and muscle aches. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty breathing, shock, and even death.
Dr. Umakhihe stated, “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby notifies the general public about the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighboring countries within the West African Sub-Region, specifically Northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.”
He emphasized that Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, meaning it affects both animals and humans. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to avoid close contact with infected animals or consuming animal products that may be contaminated.
To control the outbreak, the Federal Government has reestablished a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Relevant institutions and collaborators have also been engaged in this effort. State directors of veterinary services nationwide have been sensitized to the situation.
Dr. Umakhihe further explained that Anthrax primarily affects animals. However, due to humans’ close proximity to animals, non-vaccinated animals can transmit the disease to humans through inhalation of Anthrax spores or the consumption of contaminated animal products, such as hides, skins, meat, or milk.
The Permanent Secretary called upon the border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos to intensify animal vaccinations due to their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana. Other states in Nigeria are also advised to participate in the vaccination campaign.
Infected animals cannot be vaccinated, but animals at risk can receive vaccination. It is recommended that infected carcasses be deeply buried in the soil, along with equipment used for burial, after applying chemicals that can kill the Anthrax spores.
Dr. Umakhihe disclosed that annual vaccinations with Anthrax spore vaccines are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State.
These vaccines are the most affordable and convenient means of preventing and controlling the disease in animals.