Residents of Kebbi State have been told to be cautious and adopt precautionary measures in the wake of the anthrax outbreak in neighboring Niger State.
In a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of Animal Health, Husbandry and
Fisheries, Dr. Ahmed Umar Ambrusa, Anthrax is described as an infection caused by spore-forming bacteria that mainly affects livestock but also has the capacity to affect humans.
He described the common symptoms of the disease to include high fever, gastrointestinal conditions, and blood oozing out of natural openings like the nose, mouth, ears, and anus
He said humans can get infected through inhalation of the bacterial spores that comes out of the blood of an infected animal, or byproducts, such as meat, hides, and skin.
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The Permanent Secretary warned livestock owners to maintain vigilance and report any sign of illness in their animals to the nearest veterinary personnel and advised cattle traders to avoid bringing livestock or products from neighboring countries or Niger State into Kebbi
He stressed the need for supervision and monitoring by veterinary authorities to ensure butchers slaughter animals at government-designated abattoirs.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
