Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development has announced a confirmed occurrence of anthrax on a farm located in Zamfara State and has urged for increased vigilance and prompt actions to control the disease.
This information was shared in a statement on Tuesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ben Goong.
“Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that can affect various warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans. It is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health due to its potential to cause high morbidity and mortality,” Goong said.
The ministry highlighted the symptoms of anthrax, which include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and haemorrhaging from major openings. The emphasis was placed on the importance of quick detection and intervention as crucial measures to prevent its further spread.
Reiterating its dedication to addressing the outbreak, the ministry stated, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is committed to working alongside all stakeholders to ensure a rapid and effective response.”
