The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has alerted Nigerians about the confirmed outbreak of anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State. Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that can affect warm-blooded animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, and can also be transmitted to humans.
Symptoms of anthrax in both animals and humans include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major openings. The disease is highly contagious and can result in high morbidity and mortality.
The ministry is urging livestock farmers to take preventive measures, such as risk assessments, surveys, and ring vaccination of susceptible animals, especially in high-risk areas. Immediate detection and response are critical to containing the outbreak. Additionally, authorities are calling on stakeholders, particularly in states bordering Zamfara, to act swiftly to prevent the further spread of anthrax.
The public is also advised to remain vigilant, report any unusual illness in animals or humans, and follow the preventive guidelines provided by relevant authorities.
