3 hours Ago By Our Reporters
Daniel Adaji The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an outbreak of Anthrax on a farm in Zamfara State, urging increased vigilance and immediate action to prevent the spread of the disease. According to a press release issued on Tuesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ben Goong, the Ministry is alerting the public about the confirmed outbreak, which calls for enhanced preventive measures. “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,” Goong said.
“It is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health due to its potential to cause high morbidity and mortality,” he said. Symptoms of Anthrax include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, as well as headaches, itching, and bleeding from major openings. The Ministry emphasised the importance of immediate detection and intervention to mitigate further spread.
“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 noted. The Ministry also appealed to neighbouring states, urging them to take precautionary steps. “We call on stakeholders, especially states bordering Zamfara, to take immediate steps to prevent further spread of the disease,” it stated.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to a swift and coordinated response, saying, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response.” Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected] Tags #FG Anthrax disease Anthrax outbreak in Zamfara Federal Ministry of Livestock Development Preventive measures Zoonotic disease.
