NBMA CAUTIONS AS GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS FIRST CASE OF ANTHRAX IN NIGERIA

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is urging Nigerians to exercise caution following the report of a case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja in Niger state close to the Federal capital territory.

The Director-General/CEO of NBMA, Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra who made the call in a press statement made available to journalists on Tuesday 18th July, 2023 said that there have been reports of animals exhibiting symptoms of a potential case of anthrax at Gajiri along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway in Suleja LGA, Niger State, where some of the animals showed symptoms including blood flowing from their body openings, including their noses, eyes, ears and mouths. Dr Asagbra said

"The case happened on a multi-species farm with cattle, sheep and goats on the said farm noting that the federal government sent a response team to visit the farm and take samples for testing of which the results has been confirmed to be positive, making this the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.”

Dr. Mrs. Agness Yemisi Asagbra

She urged the general public to avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals especially those exhibiting symptoms associated with anthrax and urged farmers, herders, and individuals involved in animal husbandry to take extra care and seek veterinary assistance if they suspect any signs of illness in their livestock. The Agency had on the 13th of June 2023, issued a warning to Nigerians about Anthrax, a potentially fatal disease that can be contracted from infected animals or through contaminated products after receiving report of an anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died. Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium which mainly affects livestock particularly cattle, sheep and goats. Humans can become infected through contact with an infected animal or by inhaling spores and called on Nigerians to be cautious. “The sickness, is a zoonotic disease caused by germs that may spread from animals to humans.”

Dr. Asagbra said the Agency remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of anthrax or contaminated animal products to the nearest medical center. “It is crucial for all Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant. By adhering to these precautionary measures, we can collectively mitigate the risks associated with the anthrax outbreak and protect both animal and human health.”

“If anthrax is not identified and treated promptly, it can cause pneumonia, serious lung issues, breathing difficulties, shock, and death. Symptoms of anthrax include flu-like symptoms like coughing, fever, and muscular aches.” “Proper hygiene practices should be followed when handling and processing animal products. “It is recommended to wear protective clothing, such as gloves, when handling raw animal hides. Thoroughly wash hands and equipment with soap and water after contact with animal products.” Anthrax can survive in improperly processed animal products and urged the public to ensure that animal products are thoroughly cooked at high temperatures to eliminate any potential bacteria. “NBMA is imploring all stakeholders in the food and agricultural industry to prioritize safety measures and adhere to biosafety regulations in order to safeguard the health of our citizens.” The Agency remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of anthrax or contaminated animal products to the nearest medical center. “It is crucial for all Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant. By adhering to these precautionary measures, we can collectively mitigate the risks associated with the anthrax outbreak and protect both animal and human health.”

Gloria Ogbaki Head Information and Communication NBMA