By Salifu Faridat
An anthrax outbreak in several Nigerian states has ignited apprehension within the consumer market and among butchers and cow vendors. The deadly disease, which affects animals, has caused a slump in the demand for cow meat, substantially impacting the livestock trade.
Cow meat, a dietary staple in many parts of Nigeria and a popular choice at various occasions, has encountered a decline in consumer interest due to fears of anthrax transmission. Butchers in Lagos state, known for supplying cow, goat, and ram meats, have experienced a noticeable drop in demand since the discovery of anthrax cases in multiple states, including Lagos.
This anthrax detection has not only disrupted the supply of cow meat but has also affected goat and ram meats, as the disease can affect domestic hoofed animals. Consumers are now expressing heightened concerns about meat sourcing and handling, leading them to explore alternative protein sources.
Anthrax, caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium, mainly affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Humans can contract the disease through inhaling spores or direct contact with infected animals or their contaminated products.
The initial anthrax case in Nigeria was confirmed on a farm in Niger State, where animals exhibited symptoms before succumbing to the disease. The rapid spread of the outbreak and its potential economic repercussions have triggered serious public health worries.
Authorities in Lagos and Plateau states have taken preventive measures to curb the outbreak’s expansion. In Lagos, six infected animals were confiscated, incinerated, and buried to contain the situation. The government has escalated surveillance and vaccination campaigns to safeguard both animals and public health.
The anthrax scare has also impacted the catering industry. Some chefs noted shifts in consumer preferences, with fewer requests for beef and an uptick in demand for chicken and fish. However, certain chefs are still incorporating beef into their menus, taking stringent measures to ensure proper cooking and food safety.
Economists underscore the need for swift government intervention to mitigate economic losses among livestock farmers. Given that the agricultural sector is a substantial employer in Nigeria, timely actions are critical to preserve the livestock business and ensure food security.
To combat the outbreak, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has contributed 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccines to Lagos State.
A sensitization campaign was carried out in Lagos, where cattle merchants and butchers expressed their readiness to collaborate with the government in combating the disease.
This situation calls for immediate action to prevent further spread, protecting both the livestock industry and consumers’ well-being.