The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an outbreak of anthrax in Zamfara State.
The incident was reported on a farm in the northwestern region of the country, raising concerns over the potential spread of the zoonotic disease.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Information and Publicity, Ben Bem Goong, the ministry emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to address the risks associated with the outbreak.
Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, affects warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife.
Humans can also contract the disease, which is listed as a notifiable condition by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality.
Symptoms of anthrax in both animals and humans include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major body openings.
While the disease is preventable through coordinated efforts such as risk assessments, surveys, and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas, the ministry stressed the importance of prompt detection and response to contain its spread.
Neighboring states have been urged to take immediate steps to prevent further transmission.
The ministry called on the public to report unusual illnesses in animals or humans and to adhere strictly to preventive guidelines issued by relevant authorities.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to mitigating the outbreak and protecting public health through collaborative measures.
