Due to the anthrax outbreak in several of the adjacent countries, Nigerians have been cautioned not to consume bush meat, smoked meat, or hides (ponmo).
The warning was issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday in a statement that was signed by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the ministry’s permanent secretary.
Umakhihe argued that Nigerians needed to be made aware of the disease pandemic presently wreaking havoc in Northern Ghana, which borders Burkina Faso and Togo.
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He said that because anthrax spores are naturally present in soil and frequently afflict both domestic and wild animals, the disease is spread from sick animals to humans.
Anthrax is not a contagious disease, despite the fact that it can infect people if they come into touch with diseased animals or contaminated animal products.
If it is not identified and treated in a timely manner, it can cause pneumonia, serious lung issues, breathing difficulties, shock, and death. Its symptoms include flu-like symptoms like coughing, fever, and muscular aches.
He said;
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.
The disease, which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that 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. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.
He further explained that;
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.
The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (pomo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risks until the situation is brought under control.
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.
