By; IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna
The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians on health hazards associated with consuming animal skin popularly known as pomo in the country’s parlance and bush meat following outbreak of Anthrax in neighboring nations.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe described the disease in a statement as bacterial, adding that it has already wrecked havock in West Africa subregion by taking lives and landing many others in hospitals.
The disease according to the statement, “affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic 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, ” Dr. Umakhihe explained.
He however, added that the pandemic could not be said to be contagious in the sense that it cannot be contacted by coming to 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.
“Being a Bacterial Disease, it responds to Treatment with Antibiotics and Supportive Therapy.
“It is primarily a disease of animals but because of man’s closeness to animals, non vaccinated animals with Anthrax can easily be Transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated/infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.
“Annual vaccinations with Anthrax spore vaccines are available at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State and is the cheapest and easiest means of prevention and control of the disease in animals.
“However, Infected animals cannot be vaccinated but animals at risk can be vaccinated. So in this present case, there is the need to intensify animal vaccinations along Border States of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana. Other states of Nigeria are equally advised to join in the exercise,” he pointed out.
“Infected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil along with equipment used in the burial after applying chemicals that will kill the Anthrax Spores.
“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, ” he said.
