Nigeria takes action to combat anthrax outbreak in livestock farm near Abuja.
Nigeria is taking swift measures to prevent the spread of anthrax following reported cases at a livestock farm located northwest of the capital, Abuja.
The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the outbreak after detecting symptoms of the disease at a farm in Gajiri, situated along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway in Niger state.
The affected farm, which houses cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, has been placed under quarantine, while 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccine have been dispatched to the area.
Anthrax primarily affects livestock animals, although humans can also become infected through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of their products.
The disease is caused by Bacillus anthracis and can persist as spores in the soil for years, later entering an animal’s body through cuts or wounds.
In animals, clinical signs of anthrax include sudden death and bleeding from the nose, mouth, and anal region.
The government is urging livestock owners, farmers, and the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases.
Furthermore, farmers are advised to avoid slaughtering sick animals as it may expose individuals to anthrax spores.
While antibiotics can be used to treat anthrax, it is crucial for treatment to commence soon after infection. Currently, there have been no reported cases of human exposure.
Livestock farming and herding play a significant role in the livelihoods of many communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, where they supply meat to the rest of the country.
