On 17/07/2023, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed an outbreak of anthrax in Nigeria.
This comes after animal samples from a multi-specie farm in Suleja, LGA Niger State turned out positive for Anthrax.
Efforts such as quarantining of risky areas, deployment of vaccines in such areas, and education of farmworkers on anthrax, are some of the containment measures that have so far been undertaken by the government. As of now, no human cases have been confirmed in Nigeria. However, this news is following the recent outbreak of anthrax which has been reported in Ghana affecting animals and humans and causing both morbidity and mortality.
This confirmation of Anthrax in animals in Nigeria also echoes the need for cautious practices like avoiding contact with affected animals, refraining from home slaughtering, and avoiding contact with bush meat or animal by-products. It also emphasizes the strict implementation of on-farm biosecurity and biosafety measures.
We will keep you posted on the situation as details emerge. Find below the press release statement from the Officer of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON).
