Nigeria is taking measures to contain the spread of anthrax following reported cases at a livestock farm located north-west of the capital, Abuja.
The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the outbreak after symptoms of the disease were detected at a farm in Gajiri, situated along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway in Niger state.
The affected farm, which houses cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, has been placed under quarantine, and 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccine have been dispatched to the area.
Anthrax primarily affects livestock animals, although humans can also become infected through direct contact with contaminated animals or consumption of their products.
The disease is caused by Bacillus anthracis and typically survives in the form of spores that can remain dormant in the soil for several years before entering an animal’s body through a cut or wound.
Clinical signs of anthrax in animals include sudden death and bleeding from the nose, mouth, and anal region.
The government is urging livestock owners, farmers, and the public to stay vigilant and report any suspected cases. It also advises farmers to refrain from slaughtering sick animals to prevent exposure to anthrax spores.
Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics, but prompt treatment is crucial following infection. No cases of human exposure have been reported thus far.
Livestock farming and herding are vital sources of livelihood for many communities in northern Nigeria, as they supply meat to other parts of the country.