FG confirms Zamfara anthrax outbreak, urges swift action
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an anthrax outbreak on a farm in Zamfara State and called for heightened vigilance and immediate action to control the spread of the disease.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ben Goong, emphasized the seriousness of the outbreak. “Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that can affect various warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans. It is a notifiable disease recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health due to its potential for high morbidity and mortality,” Goong said.
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The ministry outlined the symptoms of anthrax, which may include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major openings. Early detection and swift intervention were highlighted as crucial to containing the disease.
“While anthrax can be prevented through measures such as risk assessment, surveys, and ring vaccination of vulnerable animals in high-risk areas, prompt detection and response are vital to limit its spread,” the statement noted.
The ministry urged neighboring states to implement precautionary measures. “We advise states bordering Zamfara to take immediate actions to prevent the further spread of the disease,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling the outbreak, the ministry concluded, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully dedicated to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response.”
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