Following the reported outbreak and spread of anthrax disease in some neighbouring West African countries, the Kwara State government has constituted a prevention and control committee against the disease.
The committee which is headed by Dr Idiat Aminu is to ensure prompt response to any report on suspected cases of the disease at livestock farms, cattle markets and other areas.
The state’s ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the setting up of the committee in a statement signed by the director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alh. Abdullahi Abdulwahab.
The government appealed to the general public, especially the livestock farmers to be vigilant and report any unusual happenings, such as sickness or sudden death of animals in their farms.
According to the statement, “anthrax is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and human beings which has claimed some lives in the neighbouring countries”.
The government noted that the disease cannot be transmitted directly from one person to another but individuals can be infected if the person comes in contact with an infected animal or a contaminated animal products such as meat, hide and skin.
“Some of the symptoms of the disease include staggering, dyspnea, trembling, sudden collapse and convulsive movement of animals as well as bloody discharge from the natural openings,” it explained.
To prevent and control the spread of the disease in animals, the government disclosed that annual vaccination with anthrax spore vaccines are available at the Veterinary Hospital, Adewole Area in Ilorin, the state capital and all state government veterinary offices across the 16 local government areas of the state.
It advised animal owners to intensify efforts on annual vaccination of their animals and proper disposal of infected dead animals by burying them deeply in soil after applying disinfectant chemicals.
“Livestock farmers are strongly advised to report any suspected cases of the disease to the nearest veterinary offices in the 16 local government areas or call the committee chairperson on 08160989312 or the director of Veterinary Services, Mr. Olugbon AbdulLateef on 08033765024,” it added.
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