The federal government of Nigeria has officially confirmed the first recorded case of anthrax in Niger State.
The announcement was made through a press release by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday.
According to the release, the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria received a notification on July 14, 2023, regarding animals showing symptoms of suspected anthrax in a farm located in Suleja, Niger State.
The farm, situated at Gajiri along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway in Suleja LGA, housed multi-specie animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats, which exhibited symptoms such as oozing of blood from their body openings, namely the anus, nose, eyes, and ears.
In response to the report, a Rapid Response team comprising federal, and state one health professionals visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collect samples from the affected animals.
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Subsequent laboratory tests at the National Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years, following an outbreak in Northern Ghana a few weeks ago.
Regrettably, all affected animals have succumbed to the disease.
Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis and primarily affects animals like cattle, sheep, and goats.
However, it can also infect humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool, or hides. Inhalation anthrax may occur through the inhalation of spores, while cutaneous anthrax can result from contact with contaminated materials or open wounds.
In response to the situation, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger state government, has taken proactive measures to control and contain the outbreak swiftly in Nigeria.
Anthrax outbreaks can have serious implications for both animal and human health, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated response to prevent further spread and protect public health.
