The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an Anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State, triggering a nationwide alert and immediate precautionary measures.
Anthrax, a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, affects warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wildlife, and humans.
The disease is classified as a notifiable condition by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.
“The disease can be transmitted from animals to humans,” the Ministry’s notification highlighted.
“The clinical signs and symptoms of the disease include: fever, coughing, vomiting, headache, itching, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and haemorrhages from major openings.”
The Ministry in a statement signed by Dr Adamu Y. Dakogi, for Director/CVON further stated that Anthrax is preventable through “coordinated risk assessment and survey as well as ring vaccination of the susceptible animals in high risk areas.”
States bordering Zamfara have been directed to “be on full alert and monitor the situation of the disease.”
Authorities were also advised to “create awareness, activate your Rapid Response Team, communicate the risk, and strengthen disease surveillance activities.”
This call for vigilance underscores the importance of swift action to prevent the spread of Anthrax across the region.
