A FRESH OUTBREAK of Anthrax disease has been reported on a farm in Zamfara State, prompting the Federal Government to issue a nationwide alert.
The Ministry of Livestock Development has called for heightened vigilance among citizens and stakeholders to curtail the potential spread of the deadly disease.
Anthrax, a zoonotic infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, poses a dual threat to humans and animals. It is considered a high-priority disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its ability to cause significant morbidity and mortality across species.
The government explained that the disease is often contracted through contact with infected animals or animal products.
“Anthrax affects warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans,” the ministry stated.
Symptoms in humans include fever, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhoea, and even bleeding from major body openings, while infected animals may display similar alarming signs before death.
The Explainer gathered that Anthrax outbreaks typically occur in regions with low vaccination rates among livestock, especially in the rainy season when dormant spores are activated in the soil. Data from the WOAH reveals that Anthrax spores can survive in the environment for decades, making early detection and intervention critical.
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Anthrax has been a recurring challenge in livestock farming across Africa, including Nigeria, where agricultural practices often expose farmers and herders to the disease. A previous outbreak in Niger State in 2019 resulted in significant livestock losses and several human infections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fatality rate of untreated anthrax varies depending on the form of infection. For inhalation anthrax, mortality rates have improved with advancements in critical care; however, even with treatment, mortality ranges up to 45%. For cutaneous anthrax, the case-fatality rate is approximately 20% without antibiotic treatment and less than 1% with antibiotic treatment.
Given its devastating impact, the Federal Government has urged neighbouring states to Zamfara to step up preventive measures.
“Prompt risk assessment, surveys, and ring vaccination in high-risk areas are crucial to containing the spread,” the ministry advised.
“We urge citizens to report unusual illnesses in animals or humans immediately,” the statement emphasised.
Farmers are encouraged to ensure routine vaccination of livestock, maintain hygiene standards, and avoid handling carcasses of animals suspected to have died of Anthrax. For consumers, health experts stress the importance of thoroughly cooking meat and sourcing animal products from reputable suppliers.
