Anthrax, a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, has been confirmed in Nigeria, particularly in Niger State, close to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The disease outbreak was detected on a multi-species animal farm comprising cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry located at Gajiri, along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway in Suleja LGA, Niger State.
The confirmation of the first anthrax case in Nigeria came from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)-Vom, Plateau State, on July 16, 2023. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of anthrax, the current case in Nigeria, and essential measures to stay safe from this highly contagious disease.
Anthrax primarily affects animals, especially herbivores, but can also infect humans. The disease can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation (lungs), and gastrointestinal (digestive system). The most common form in animals is the cutaneous type, while inhalation anthrax is the most severe and dangerous for humans.
Symptoms of Anthrax:
1. Cutaneous Anthrax:
– Begins with an itchy bump that turns into a painless sore, usually on the exposed areas of the body like the hands, face, or neck.
– The sore becomes an ulcer with a black center.
– Swelling might occur in the surrounding area.
– Fever and headache might accompany the skin lesions.
2. Inhalation Anthrax (for humans):
– Initial flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and cough.
– Progresses to severe respiratory distress, shock, and often death.
3. Gastrointestinal Anthrax (for humans):
– Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever.
– Abdominal pain, vomiting blood, and severe diarrhea.
– Ingestion of contaminated meat is the typical route of infection.
Anthrax in Animals:
– Fever, weakness, and difficulty breathing.
– Rapid death, often before any external signs appear.
Prevention and Safety Measures:
To ensure the safety of both animals and humans during an anthrax outbreak, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Niger state government, has implemented several preventive measures. Here are some key steps to stay safe from anthrax:
- Quarantine and Vaccination:
– Quarantine the affected farm to prevent the spread of the disease.
– Use ring vaccination to immunize susceptible animals around the infected farm with anthrax vaccines.
- Education and Awareness:
– Educate farm workers about anthrax symptoms, preventive measures, and the necessary steps to take if they notice any signs of the disease.
– Conduct targeted public awareness campaigns to inform livestock owners and the general public about anthrax and safety precautions.
- Vigilance and Reporting:
– Livestock owners should remain vigilant and report any suspicion of illness or deaths on their farms promptly.
– Report any sudden death of animals to the nearest veterinary authorities for investigation.
- Avoid Contact with Infected Animals:
– Avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products.
– Do not slaughter sick animals, as it can expose people to anthrax spores.
– Avoid contact with wild animals and bushmeat.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
– Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, facemasks, goggles, and boots when handling sick or dead animals.
- Biosecurity Measures:
– Practice good biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
– Dispose of animal carcasses in an environmentally friendly manner and consult with veterinarians and public health officers.
- Vaccination:
– Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax in livestock, so consult with a veterinarian for appropriate vaccination strategies.
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease that requires immediate attention and preventive measures to control its spread and protect both animals and humans.
The recent confirmation of the first anthrax case in Nigeria demands a collaborative effort between government agencies, health professionals, and livestock owners.
By following the safety measures recommended by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nigerians can minimize the risk of further outbreaks and ensure the safety of their livestock and communities. Stay vigilant, report any suspicious cases, and work together to contain the disease effectively.
With the cooperation of all stakeholders, Nigeria can successfully overcome this anthrax outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
