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The Nigerian Federal Government has issued a warning about the high likelihood of an anthrax disease outbreak in the country, according to a recent risk assessment conducted by the human health sector. The government also emphasized the potential significant impact of the disease on humans.
These concerns were highlighted in a joint press statement released on Monday night, signed by Dr. Columba Vakuru, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
To address this risk, the government has activated the incident management system at level two, appointing an incident manager for effective coordination of the response. This proactive measure aims to ensure efficient management and containment of any potential outbreak.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) recently confirmed a single case of anthrax disease in a mixed livestock farm located in Niger State. This marks the first reported animal case of anthrax in Nigeria since the West Africa outbreak originated in Ghana in June 2023.
The FMARD reported on July 13, 2023, that sudden livestock deaths occurred on this farm, resulting in eight fatalities. The deceased animals exhibited bleeding from external orifices without blood clotting.
Subsequently, on July 14, 2023, samples were collected from various species on the affected livestock farm and sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute in VOM, Plateau State, for testing. The results confirmed the presence of anthrax.
The statement released by the government stated, "Further investigation is also ongoing to trace the source of the infection and to identify its spread to other farms and humans. While human exposure has been reported, there are no current reports of human symptoms or fatalities."
The FMARD and NCDC are working closely with the Ministries of Health and Agriculture in Niger State to identify, isolate, and monitor all individuals exposed to the disease. Additionally, the NCDC has activated the incident management system at level two, appointing an incident manager to facilitate a coordinated response. The risk assessment conducted by the human health sector indicates a high likelihood of an outbreak and emphasizes the potential impact on humans.
Within 48 hours of suspected animal deaths being reported, the FMARD successfully diagnosed anthrax and implemented early intervention measures. The Nigerian government, along with the FMARD, NCDC, and other one-health stakeholders, has implemented measures to promptly detect, control, and contain any anthrax outbreaks in the country.
Anthrax is a severe disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, affecting both humans and animals, including wild and livestock species such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, and goats.
The bacteria exist as spores and can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals. Anthrax spores are highly resilient and can survive in the environment or soil for extended periods, posing challenges to disease control and eradication efforts. These spores can be brought to the surface through wet weather, deep digging, or ingestion by grazing livestock and wild animals.
Anthrax can affect humans through skin infection, gastrointestinal exposure, or inhalation.