Anthrax: Close affected cattle markets, others, don tells govt

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Anthrax: Close affected cattle markets, others, don tells govt

A professor of Veterinary Public Health at the University of Ibadan, Victoria Adetunji, has advised the Federal Government to close cattle (Kara) markets, especially those in Niger State and its environs, to contain the spread of anthrax in the country.

The advice came on the heels of the official confirmation of the index case of anthrax in Nigeria by the Federal Government on Monday.

Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals, such as cattle, sheep and goats.

The disease can be contracted by humans who come in direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool, or hides.

Anthrax may be contracted through the inhalation of spores, while cutaneous anthrax can result from contact with contaminated materials or through open wounds.

Adetunji, in a response to an enquiry by The PUNCH on Tuesday on containing the spread of the disease, said, “It will be necessary to temporarily close some Kara markets for about three weeks, especially those bordering Niger State, at this time to prevent further spread and contain this disease.”

She added that it was time for the government to “quickly actuate the control post management system in the country.”

She urged the government to mandate clinicians and veterinarians to promptly notify their local or state health departments once they suspect anthrax in patients.

“This will allow for proper monitoring and alertness on the outbreak,” she said.

The don further stated that, “There is an urgent need for massive sensitisation of the workforce at risk (herdsmen, cattle traders, workers at control posts, veterinarians and abattoir workers).

“I also want to persuade the government to employ more veterinarians and pay more attention to the animal health sector to improve our preparedness for control of zoonoses (diseases naturally transmitted from animals to humans and vice-versa) in general.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, deliberated on the reported anthrax case in the country and directed relevant government agencies to arrest the outbreak.

This followed a motion of urgent public importance by Adamu Tanko (PDP, Niger) on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

In the motion, Tanko noted that the report of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development concerning the presence of anthrax in Nigeria was disturbing.

He said the laboratory test conducted on the collected samples by the National Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the first reported case at a livestock farm.

He expressed concern over the potential spread of the disease to other livestock farms in the country and its possible impact on public health.

He said anthrax might affect humans in direct contact with affected animals and contaminated products, with potential inhalation, through spores or wounds.

He added that there was need for proactive measures to prevent the spread of anthrax in Nigeria and protect the health and livelihoods of citizens by placing public health precautions in place.

Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in implementing effective surveillance and vaccination.

Other measures recommended include awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak, provision of adequate resources and support to affected communities, including compensation for losses incurred due to the outbreak.

The House also urged the National Centre for Disease Control to put in place measures that will stop the further spread of anthrax.