Anthrax Outbreak: Nigerian Govt warns against consuming ponmo, bushmeat
Nigerians have been advised to stop consuming hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat due to the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighboring countries.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby alerts the general public on the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighboring countries within the West African Sub-Region; specifically, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo,” said Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans. It is transferred from infected animals to humans, as its spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person,” explained Umakhihe.
The signs of Anthrax include flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches, and if not diagnosed and treated early, can lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock, and death.
“The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat as they pose serious risks until the situation is brought under control,” stated Umakhihe.
To control the outbreak, the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Relevant institutions and collaborators have been contacted, and state directors of veterinary services nationwide have been sensitized.
“However, infected animals cannot be vaccinated, but animals at risk can be vaccinated. So, in this present case, there is a need to intensify animal vaccinations along the border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana. Other states of Nigeria are equally advised to join in the exercise,” urged Umakhihe.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of proper disposal of infected dead animals.
“Infected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil along with equipment used in the burial after applying chemicals that will kill the Anthrax spores.”
He also revealed that annual vaccinations with Anthrax spore vaccines are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State. These vaccines are the cheapest and easiest means of prevention and control of the disease in animals.
