Nigeria issues alert for new disease outbreak, warns against consumption of 'pomo'
The Nigerian government has issued a new alert about a possible outbreak of a bacterial disease that "affects both animals and humans".
A statement released by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), said the zoonotic disease known as anthrax, has now been confirmed in the West African sub-region; specifically, northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
The statement, which was signed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Ernest Umakhihe, advises Nigerians against the consumption of skins (pomo), smoked meat and bushmeat, to prevent possible spread.
In a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, the Ministry's Chief Information Officer, Joel Oruche, confirmed the authenticity of the statement and urged Nigerians to heed the advice.
The statement stresses that the consumption of hides presents a serious risk until the situation is brought under control.
About anthrax
According to the statement, anthrax spores are found naturally in soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
He noted that people can become infected with anthrax spores if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
However, he added that anthrax is not a contagious disease and therefore, one cannot catch it by coming into close contact with an infected person.
According to the ministry, the signs of anthrax are flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever and muscle aches and, if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, breathing difficulties, shock and death.< /p> Treatment
The statement indicates that anthrax can be treated with antibiotics and supportive therapy.
“It is primarily an animal disease, but due to the close proximity of humans to animals, unvaccinated animals with anthrax can easily be transmitted to humans through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated or infected animal products, such as hides and skins, meat or milk,” the ministry noted.
VaccinationThe ministry also noted that annual vaccinations with anthrax spore vaccines are available at the Vom National Veterinary Research Institute in Plateau State and this is the most cheapest and easiest way to prevent and control disease in animals.
However, he noted that infected animals cannot be vaccinated but animals at risk can be vaccinated.
The statement further states, "Therefore, in the present case, it is necessary to intensify the vaccination of animals along the border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States due to of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana. Other states in Nigeria are also advised to join in the exercise.
READ ALSO:"Infected dead animals should be buried deep in the ground with the equipment used for burial after the application of chemicals that will kill the anthrax spores.".
The ministry urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, noting that the government has resurrected a standing committee on anthrax control within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Nigerian government has issued a new alert about a possible outbreak of a bacterial disease that "affects both animals and humans".
A statement released by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), said the zoonotic disease known as anthrax, has now been confirmed in the West African sub-region; specifically, northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
The statement, which was signed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Ernest Umakhihe, advises Nigerians against the consumption of skins (pomo), smoked meat and bushmeat, to prevent possible spread.
In a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, the Ministry's Chief Information Officer, Joel Oruche, confirmed the authenticity of the statement and urged Nigerians to heed the advice.
The statement stresses that the consumption of hides presents a serious risk until the situation is brought under control.
About anthrax
According to the statement, anthrax spores are found naturally in soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
He noted that people can become infected with anthrax spores if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
However, he added that anthrax is not a contagious disease and therefore, one cannot catch it by coming into close contact with an infected person.
According to the ministry, the signs of anthrax are flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever and muscle aches and, if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, breathing difficulties, shock and death.< /p> Treatment
The statement indicates that anthrax can be treated with antibiotics and supportive therapy.
“It is primarily an animal disease, but due to the close proximity of humans to animals, unvaccinated animals with anthrax can easily be transmitted to humans through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated or infected animal products, such as hides and skins, meat or milk,” the ministry noted.
VaccinationThe ministry also noted that annual vaccinations with anthrax spore vaccines are available at the Vom National Veterinary Research Institute in Plateau State and this is the most cheapest and easiest way to prevent and control disease in animals.
However, he noted that infected animals cannot be vaccinated but animals at risk can be vaccinated.
The statement further states, "Therefore, in the present case, it is necessary to intensify the vaccination of animals along the border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States due to of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana. Other states in Nigeria are also advised to join in the exercise.
READ ALSO:"Infected dead animals should be buried deep in the ground with the equipment used for burial after the application of chemicals that will kill the anthrax spores.".
The ministry urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, noting that the government has resurrected a standing committee on anthrax control within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
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