Nigeria Records First Anthrax Case

Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, yesterday, confirmed the first anthrax disease case in Suleja, Niger State.

The disease was noticed among animals, including cattle, sheep and goats at a farm in Gajiri.

The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr. Columba Vakuru, stated that investigation by a rapid response team deployed to the farm and subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) confirmed the diagnosis, making it the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria.

Vakuru recalled that Federal Government had raised the alarm following outbreak of the disease in northern Ghana, few weeks ago.

Anthrax is said to be caused by the spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals, but can also infect humans, who come into direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool or hides. Symptoms include oozing of blood from anus, nose, eyes and ears.

He added that anthrax might occur through the inhalation of spores, while cutaneous anthrax could result from contact with contaminated materials or through open wounds.

To curb the outbreak in Nigeria, FMARD, in collaboration with Niger government, has taken proactive measures, including quarantine of the affected farm, deployment of anthrax spore vaccines to the affected and adjoining farms to vaccinate in-contact animals and educating workers of the affected farms on symptoms, preventive measures.

The CVO disclosed that plans were also underway to conduct nationwide vaccination of cattle, sheep and goats against anthrax, adding that surveillance of anthrax would be heightened in livestock farms, markets and abattoirs, as well as intensification of public awareness campaigns on anthrax.

The ministry, however, urged livestock owners to remain vigilant, report any suspicious illness or death in their animals promptly, avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products, and exercise caution when buying animals from states bordering Republic of Benin, Chad and Niger Republic.

It also urged people not to slaughter animals at home, but use of abattoirs or slaughter slabs.

Hunters were warned not to pick sick or dead animals from the bush for human consumption, and livestock owners to report sudden death of animals to the nearest veterinary authority or the Ministry of Agriculture.

It stated: “Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax in livestock. Consult a veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule suitable for your specific livestock. Use personal protective equipment (gloves, facemasks, goggles, boots) when handling sick animals.”