First Case of Anthrax Confirmed in Nigeria, Federal Government Takes Measures
On Monday, the Federal Government officially announced the first recorded case of anthrax disease in Nigeria, which was detected on a farm in Niger State. This confirmation follows an earlier report by The PUNCH on June 13, 2023, where the government alerted the public to anthrax outbreaks in neighboring West African countries and advised against the consumption of hides, popularly known as “ponmo.”
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) expressed deep concern in a statement released in Abuja. It disclosed that on July 14, 2023, the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria received a report of suspected anthrax cases on a multi-specie animal farm in Suleja, Niger State. Cattle, sheep, and goats on the farm exhibited symptoms such as blood oozing from various openings like the anus, nose, eyes, and ears.
A rapid response team, comprised of federal and state One Health professionals, promptly visited the farm to conduct initial investigations and collect samples from the affected animals. The National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in recent years in Nigeria. Regrettably, all affected animals have died.
Anthrax, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affects animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. However, it can also infect humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products such as meat, wool, or hides. Inhalation of anthrax spores and contact with contaminated materials can lead to different forms of the disease.
The FMARD assured the public that proactive measures were being taken in collaboration with the Niger State Government to control and contain the outbreak swiftly. These measures include quarantine of the affected farm, administration of anthrax spore vaccines to in-contact animals on the affected and neighboring farms, and educating farm workers about symptoms, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take in case of suspected cases.
Furthermore, plans are underway to conduct nationwide vaccination campaigns for cattle, sheep, and goats against anthrax. Surveillance efforts in livestock farms, markets, and abattoirs will be intensified, and public awareness campaigns about anthrax will be amplified.
Livestock owners were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious illness or deaths in their animals promptly. They were also advised to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products. Caution was advised when purchasing animals from Nigerian states bordering Benin, Chad, and Niger, as well as from Ghana and Togo via waterways.
The Federal Government, through the FMARD, is committed to containing the anthrax outbreak and ensuring the safety of livestock and public health.
