The Nigerian Government has been nudged to take urgent action against the outbreak of anthrax disease in the country. The bacterial infection common in livestock was reported to have been discovered in a farm at Gajiri Village, Niger State.
During plenary on Tuesday, members of the House of Representatives discussed the outbreak of the disease, calling on relevant department and agencies including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) as well as other relevant stakeholders to take critical urgent measures to control the disease.
In a motion of urgent public importance entitled “Need to curtain the Outbreak of Anthrax discovered in a farm at Gajiri Village, Suleja, Niger State” discussed at the house, it was gathered humans are vulnerable to the disease through direct contact with affected animals or exposure to contaminated products which could be in the form of ingesting, inhaling, spores or wounds.
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Hon. Adamu Tanko who moved the motion disclosed the laboratory test conducted on the collected samples by the National Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the first reported case at a livestock farm located in Gajiri village.
The legislator demands a quick-witted and holistic action by the government and other relevant stakeholders towards making resources available for the containment of the disease as well as providing support to affected communities and compensating for loses recorded due to the outbreak.
According to the Vanguard, Hon. Adamu noted that similar cases of the diseases were confirmed in Northern Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo with symptoms, including sudden death and blood oozing from natural body openings (nose, ear, mouth, and anal region) and spread through affected livestock, bush meat, and contaminated environments, Concerned over the potential spread of the disease to other livestock farms in the country and its possible impact on public health,
“Adamu called for the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent the spread of Anthrax in Nigeria and protect the health and livelihood of citizens by placing public health precautions in place such 8 strict surveillance and monitoring of livestock farms, as well as proper disposal of infected animals and contaminated materials.
“He however, acknowledges the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in promptly addressing the issue by implementing necessary measures to contain the spread of Anthrax and protect both livestock and human health.
“The House after adopting the motion, referred the matter to it’s Committee on Health when constituted to ensure compliance,”the Vanguard reported.
Speaking with TVC news on Tuesday, Yahya Disu, Head of Communication, NCDC, said the agency is already working in sync with FMARD to control the crisis. He also advised Nigerians to be very conscious of their hygiene at this time, stating that meat or animal products that have strange colour or smell should be avoided in the market.
