By Obiabin Onukwugha
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) Confirms Anthrax Outbreak in Niger State, Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) recently confirmed a case of Anthrax disease in a mixed livestock farm in Niger State.
This marks the first animal case to be reported in Nigeria since the West Africa outbreak began in Ghana in June 2023.
Anthrax is a rare but serious illness caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. It mainly affects livestock and wild game, and humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with sick animals.
Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions of Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southwestern Asia, Southern and Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean.
Symptoms of Anthrax:
There are four common routes of anthrax infection, each with different signs and symptoms. In most cases, symptoms develop within six days of exposure to the bacteria.
• Cutaneous Anthrax:
This is the most common route of the disease and enters the body through the skin, usually through a cut or sore. Symptoms include a raised, itchy bump that quickly develops into a painless sore with a black center, swelling in the sore and nearby lymph glands, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and headache.
• Gastrointestinal Anthrax:
This results from eating undercooked meat from an infected animal and can affect the gastrointestinal tract from the throat to the colon. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, fever, severe, bloody diarrhea in later stages, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen neck.
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• Inhalation Anthrax:
This develops when anthrax spores are breathed in and is the most deadly form of the disease. Initial symptoms include flu-like symptoms, mild chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, coughing up blood, painful swallowing, high fever, trouble breathing, shock, and meningitis.
• Injection Anthrax:
This recently identified route of infection has been reported only in Europe and is contracted through injecting illegal drugs. Initial symptoms include redness and significant swelling at the injection site, shock, multiple organ failure, and meningitis.
Prevention:
To prevent Anthrax:
• Avoid slaughtering sick animals and report any incidence of sudden animal death to the nearest veterinary authorities.
• Use personal protective equipment (gloves, facemasks, goggles, boots) when handling sick or dead animals.
• Practice good biosecurity measures and dispose of animal cases in an environmentally friendly manner in consultation with veterinarians, environmental, and public health officers.
• Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax in livestock. Consult with a veterinarian for appropriate vaccination protocols.
FMARD is actively monitoring the situation and working to control the outbreak to protect both livestock and humans. Timely reporting and adherence to preventive measures will play a crucial role in preventing further spread of the disease and safeguarding public health.
