FG Alerts Nigerians On Outbreak Of ‘Anthrax’ Disease Capable Of Killing Humans, Animals

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) Ernest
Umakhihe on Monday warned Nigeria of the outbreak
of Anthrax a bacterial disease that affects both animals
and man.

The disease which is yet to be confirmed in the
country has claimed lives in some neighbouring
countries within the West African Sub-Region;
specifically, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso
and Togo.

Anthrax a zoonotic disease is transferred from animal
to man and its spores are naturally found in the soil
and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.

Umakhihe said “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development hereby alerts the general public on
the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighboring countries
within the West African Sub-Region; specifically,
Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

“The disease which has claimed some lives is a
primary bacterial disease that affects both animals and
man, because of man’s closeness to animals.

“Non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax can easily be
transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax
spores or the consumption of contaminated animal
products, such as hides and skin (pomo), meat or milk

To this effect, the general public is strongly advised to
desist from the consumption of hides (pomo), smoked
meat, and bush meat as they pose a serious risk until
the situation is brought under control.”

The Permanent Secretary highlighted that Anthrax has
Flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and muscle
aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, will lead
to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in
breathing, shock, and death