Anthrax Outbreak Detected in Zamfara
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services has announced the confirmed outbreak of Anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State.
In despatch to directors of veterinary services, ministries of agriculture and livestock in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Dr Adamu Dahosi, director Veterinary Services says “I am directed to notify you officially of the confirmed outbreak of in a farm in Zamfara state”.
He added that “Anthrax (being) a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Badllut anthraxa, and is one of the notifiable diseases by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which affects a variety of warm – blooded animals including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wild life and humans”.
He warned that the “disease can be transmitted from animals to humans with high degree of morbidity and mortality, adding that “clinical signs and symptoms of the disease include: fever, coughing, vomiting, headache, itching, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat, swollén lymph nodes and haemorrhages from major openings”.
He however said the disease is preventable through coordinated risk assessment and survey as well as ring vaccination of the susceptible animals in high risk areas.
Dr Dahosi therefore urged stakeholders “especially those states bordering Zamfara state to be on full alert and monitor situation of the disease”.
In addition, he concluded “you are expected to create awareness, activate your Rapid Response Team, communicate the risk, and strengthen disease surveillance activities in your states”.