The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has raised an alert over an outbreak of anthrax, a zoonotic disease, in Zamfara State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr. Ben Goong, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry. According to the statement, the outbreak occurred on a farm in Zamfara.
Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, can infect warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans. The disease poses a high risk of morbidity and mortality. It can spread through contact with the bacterium’s spores, which are often found in infected animal products or by-products.
Symptoms of anthrax include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major body openings.
Mr. Goong called on stakeholders and states bordering Zamfara to implement immediate measures to prevent the disease’s spread.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant, report any unusual illnesses in animals or humans, and adhere to all preventive guidelines issued by relevant authorities.
“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 ministry remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response,” he said. (NAN)