Deadly Anthrax caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus, according to experts, has reached Nigeria.
The Federal Government recently issued a warning to Nigerians following an outbreak of anthrax in northern Ghana that killed all infected animals.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, FMARD, in a statement on Monday signed by Dr Columbus T Vakuru Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, revealed that a farm in Suleya, Niger State reported symptoms of anthrax in animals.
The farm was located at Gajiri, off the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Suleja Local Government Area.
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It housed a variety of animals including cattle, sheep, and goats.
Worryingly, some animals showed clear signs of anthrax infection, such as blood oozing from body openings such as the anus, nose, eyes, and ears.
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Part of the statement read:
“The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep, and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes, and ears.
“A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and state One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals. Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.
“Immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers.
“The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture in your state.”
Although Anthrax primarily affects livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats, it can also pose a risk to humans who come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products such as meat, wool, or fur.
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Cutaneous anthrax can occur from an open wound or contact with a contaminated object, while inhalational anthrax occurs by inhaling the spores.
Details as soon as possible…
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