Victoria Mgbanwa
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has called on Nigerians to stop eating “ponmo” Bush meat, smoked meat over the outbreak of Anthrax in some Neighbouring Countries.
This was made known. in a statement signed by the Permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe on Monday.
He said that it was important to inform Nigerians on the disease as it affects most neighbouring countries around Nigeria.
“The disease is currently affecting Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo. It is usually transferred from infected animals to humans, but it is not contagious.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby alerts the general public on the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring Countries, within the West African Sub-Region; specifically, Northern Ghana Bordering Burkina Faso and Togo”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary mentioned that the disease which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease.
” Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild Animals. People can get infected with Anthrax spores, if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
“However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close Contact with an infected person.
“Signs of Anthrax are flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches, and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death”, he said.
Dr Umakhihe noted that being a bacterial disease, it responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.
“The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (pomo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious health issues.
“We want Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant,as the government is looking into ways of controlling and preventing the disease from getting into Nigeria”, he said.
“Meanwhile, the Public is urged to remain calm and vigilant as the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.”
“Furthermore, relevant institutions and collaborators have been contacted with the aim of controlling the outbreak. This is in addition to the sensitization of State directors of veterinary services nationwide.” he said.
The Perm Sec also called on states close to this countries to intensify animal vaccinations.
He called for intensifying animal vaccinations along border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ouo, Ogun,and Lagos state, due to their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana.
