The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has raised an alert about the presence of Anthrax, a zoonotic disease, in Zamfara State.
Ben Goong, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry, revealed this in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, the outbreak was identified on a farm in Zamfara.
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Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, affects warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses and wildlife. Humans can also contract the infection, which can lead to severe health complications and high mortality if untreated.
The disease spreads through contact with the bacterium’s spores, which are highly infectious. Symptoms include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major body openings.
Goong called on stakeholders and neighboring states around Zamfara to act swiftly in preventing the further spread of Anthrax.
He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to reduce the risks posed by the disease.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant, report any unusual illnesses in animals or humans, and adhere to all preventive guidelines issued by relevant authorities.
“While Anthrax is preventable through coordinated efforts such as risk assessment, surveys, and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas, prompt detection and response are critical to containing its spread.
“The ministry remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response,” he stated.
Crediblenewsng.com
