Following the reported outbreak of the highly infectious Anthrax Disease in Zamfara State , the Ekiti State Government has issued an Health Advisory to stakeholders and residents on ways of preventing the spread of the deadly disease to the State
A joint statement issued by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade and his Health and Human Services counterpart, Dr Oyebanji Filani in Ado-Ekiti said the State Government wishes to draw the attention of the general public to the pressing health alert on Anthrax, for awareness and preventive measures.
According to the Statement, the advisory issued is to ensure prevention, prompt detection and containment of the disease in Ekiti State.
It described Anthrax as a serious disease that affects both animals and humans (Zoonotic). It presents flu-like symptoms such as cough, painless sores with a black centre appearing after the blister, fever, and muscle aches, adding that if the disease is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, respiratory problems, shock and even death.
The Statement said anthrax can be transmitted from animals to humans through occupational exposure, contact with infected animals, their carcasses, and their products highlighting preventive measures to curtail the spread of the disease to include: Proper Disposal of Suspected and Infected Animals exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms, stressing that such suspected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil, along with the equipment used in the burial after appropriate chemicals have been applied to kill the anthrax spores as well as ensuring containment and preventing further spread.
The Statement also strongly advised the general public to abstain from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat for now , as they pose a serious risk until the current situation is brought under control.
It also noted that Environmental and personal hygiene must be strictly observed in places where by-products like hides (Ponmo), bone meal, and blood meal are produced stressing that these areas should be maintained in a clean and sanitized condition to minimize the risk of contamination specifically encouraging people who handle animals and those who consume dead animals, as well as healthcare workers, law enforcement officers and anyone who recently travelled to a location with a confirmed anthrax case to take their hygiene practices seriously.
The advisory also touched on promoting ,Hygiene Practices, Effective Disinfection of wool, hides, and bone meal using appropriate chemicals that effectively kill anthrax spores as well as Decontamination of the soil in any area where a suspected dead animal is found while there is a critical need to intensify the vaccination of animals at risk adding that proper vaccination protocols should be followed to ensure the health and well-being of livestock.
It said the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and Human Services are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates and further guidance as necessary, using the One Health approach.
The Statement urged citizens to only share information from verified sources like Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, The State Ministry of Health, NCDC, WHO, etc while urging the general public, farmers, butchers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to adhere strictly to these preventive measures to safeguard public health and prevent the further spread of anthrax.
It said all suspected cases should be reported to the regional veterinary officer or Director of Veterinary Services in the state and to report any suspicion based on the aforementioned signs.
While urging the public not to slaughter or consume sick animals, the statement urged the public to contact the State Director of Veterinary Services on 0703 069 8478 or visit Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the State Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti or call any of the following Public Health Emergency Operation Center Numbers – 070492004288, 070492004236 and 070492004334
further information or inquiries
Last modified: January 23, 2025
