The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, announced the outbreak of Anthrax in Zamfara State.
In a statement issued in Tuesday, the Ministry of Livestock Development confirmed that the disease outbreak.
Signed by Ben Goong, the director of information at the ministry, the statement said the outbreak was recorded on a farm in the North Western part of Zamfara.
Calling for increased vigilance, Goong said proactive measures are needed to contain the spread of the disease and the risks associated with it.
He said, “Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that can affect various warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans. It is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its potential to cause high morbidity and mortality.
“In animals and humans, symptoms of Anthrax include: Fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching and bleeding from major openings,” Goong said.
Further adding that Anthrax is a preventable disease, Goong said coordinated efforts are being made to ensure prompt detection and response to the disease outbreak.
He also urged governments of states especially those bordering Zamfara to ensure they take needed steps to prevent a further spread of the disease.
