- The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development confirmed an anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State, urging increased vigilance and proactive disease management
- Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, affects warm-blooded animals and humans, with symptoms including fever, coughing, and potential severe complications
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public, Ben Bem Goong, revealed that the outbreak occurred on a farm in the northwestern state.
The ministry urged increased vigilance and proactive measures to manage the risks posed by the disease.
Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, affects warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife. Humans are also susceptible.
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) classifies it as a notifiable disease due to its high risk of severe illness and death.
Symptoms of anthrax in animals and humans include fever, coughing, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhoea, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches. Bleeding from body openings and severe itching may also occur.
The ministry emphasized that anthrax is preventable through measures like risk assessments, surveillance, and targeted vaccination of vulnerable animals in high-risk zones.
Early detection and rapid response are crucial to curbing its spread.
Authorities have urged neighbouring states to take immediate action to stop the disease from spreading further. The public is advised to stay alert, report unusual illnesses in animals or humans, and follow all preventive measures provided by relevant agencies.
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