Anthrax Disease: FG Warns Against Slaughtering Of Sick Animals

Nigeria’s close relationship with Ghana through border movement of humans and animals, and strong trade relations comes with a high risk of importation of anthrax disease, the federal government has said.

The Nigerian government made the remark in a statement that was jointly signed by the director-general of the  Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa and the chief veterinary officer of Nigeria in Federal Ministry of Agriculture,  Dr Columba T. Vakuru, on Tuesday

They both warned Nigerians against slaughtering of sick animals and consumption of dead animals, saying slaughtering of sick animals can expose the anthrax spores, which can be inhaled by humans if the animal is infected with anthrax.

The duo also urged against non-essential  travel to the northern region of Ghana especially the Upper East Region where the outbreak was reported.

“Exercise caution when buying animals: cows, camels, sheep, goats, and other livestock from Nigerian states bordering Benin, Chad, and Niger, and from Ghana and Togo via waterways.

“Carefully observe rams or cattle to be slaughtered for the festive period for signs of sickness before slaughtering. Do not slaughter animals at home, rather make use of abattoirs or slaughter slabs.

“Avoid contact with meat/bush meat or animal by-products such as skin, hides (“kpomo”) and milk of a sick or dead animal,” the joint statement said in part.