Anthrax disease, as reported by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has likely reached multiple regions in the country, necessitating nationwide attention and response to quell its spread.
The NCDC’s cautionary statement came just hours after the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the initial anthrax case in Niger state, prompting concerns about the potential nationwide spread of the disease.
The confirmation of the first anthrax case occurred yesterday on a multi-specie animal farm located in Suleja, which housed cattle, sheep, and goats.
‘The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes, and ears,’ he said.
‘Earlier there were significant movements of animals in the area of the last religious feast. The areas are called down south, and it’s possible that in that region where animals are infected may have made their way into the country.’
‘Most especially for animals that were brought in across the borders. So, in this context, this is the first animal we have diagnosed its condition with, so there may be other animals with it.’
Ifedayo Adetifa, the director of the country’s public health institute, expressed apprehension about anthrax spreading across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
‘It is also possible that the disease is currently across the country and likely other cases that are yet to be notified. But we can only react to what we know,’ Adetifa added.
In a recent interview, Ifedayo Adetifa stressed the importance of immediate reporting of sick animals in the area surrounding the affected farm and beyond to the human and animal health authorities.
The telltale signs of anthrax in animals include blood oozing from body openings, including the anus, nose, eyes, and ears, accompanied by a high fever. However, it is crucial to remember that some cases may lead to sudden death without visible indications.