FG Alerts Nigerians Over Anthrax Outbreak In Zamfara

ABUJA – The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has raised an alarm about an anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State. This announcement was made in an official statement by Ben Bem Goong, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the ministry.

According to the statement, a confirmed case of anthrax was detected on a farm in Zamfara State, prompting the ministry to urge the public to take preventive measures and remain vigilant.

What You Need to Know About Anthrax

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It affects various warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, and can also infect humans. The disease is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.

Symptoms in animals and humans include:

Fever
Coughing
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Headaches
Itching and bleeding from body openings

Preventive Measures for Farmers and the Public

The ministry emphasized that anthrax can be prevented through coordinated efforts, including:

Risk assessments in affected areas
Surveys to identify vulnerable animals
Ring vaccinations of livestock in high-risk zones

Farmers are urged to closely monitor their animals and report any unusual illnesses or symptoms to veterinary authorities immediately.

Call to Action for Neighboring States

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has called on states bordering Zamfara to implement proactive measures to prevent the disease from spreading. These steps include heightened surveillance, prompt detection of cases, and adherence to all preventive guidelines issued by health authorities.