The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the consumption of hides (pomo), smoked meat, and bush meat, due to the recent outbreak of Anthrax in neighboring countries. Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized the need to raise awareness about this disease, which can be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
The Anthrax outbreak is currently affecting Northern Ghana, which shares borders with Burkina Faso and Togo. Anthrax spores, naturally present in the soil, commonly affect both domestic and wild animals. Humans can become infected with Anthrax spores by coming into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. It is important to note that Anthrax is not a contagious disease.
The symptoms of Anthrax resemble those of the flu, including cough, fever, and muscle aches. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, and even death. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged the general public to refrain from consuming hides (pomo), smoked meat, and bush meat, as these products pose a serious risk until the situation is under control.
In response to the outbreak, the Federal Government has reestablished a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Relevant institutions and collaborators have been engaged to help control the spread of the disease. The ministry has also intensified the sensitization of state directors of veterinary services nationwide.
Anthrax primarily affects animals, but due to the close interaction between humans and animals, non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax can easily transmit the disease to humans through the inhalation of spores or consumption of contaminated animal products, such as hides, skin, meat, or milk.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for border states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos, to intensify animal vaccinations, considering their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana. Other states across Nigeria are also advised to participate in the vaccination campaign.
Umakhihe further recommended burying infected dead animals deep into the soil along with the equipment used in the burial, after applying chemicals that can eliminate the Anthrax spores. He also highlighted that annual vaccinations with Anthrax spore vaccines are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State, serving as a cost-effective and straightforward preventive measure to control the disease in animals.
