The Federal Government of Nigeria, along with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and key stakeholders in the country’s animal husbandry sector, has joined forces to address the escalating spread of anthrax disease since its outbreak.
This collaborative effort involves significant participants such as state directors of veterinary services, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and relevant private sector entities.
Anthrax is a disease caused by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis, known to be a zoonosis affecting ruminants and generating potent toxins that result in high mortality rates.
The first case of anthrax was identified on a farm in Sabo Wuse, Niger State, near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with subsequent cases confirmed in a livestock market in Lagos.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development disclosed that around 9.2 million pigs, 53 million sheep, 99.8 million goats, and 22.3 million cattle, spanning Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, are susceptible to anthrax.
Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary of FMARD, emphasized the importance of collective action to comprehend the disease’s impact on livestock and humans, aiming to establish robust surveillance systems for early detection, reporting, and prevention.
Dr. Otto Muhinda, an Epidemiologist and Country Team Leader at FAO-Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, highlighted FAO’s collaboration with FMARD and Nigerian states to enhance the country’s capacity in addressing zoonotic animal diseases.
Directors of Veterinary Services in states such as Niger, Lagos, Gombe, Yobe, Oyo, Plateau, and Kebbi have begun animal vaccination in their respective regions. The Federal Capital Territory has procured 800,000 vaccine doses and commenced animal vaccination.
Dr. Chinyere Ikechukwu-Eneh, Director and Chief Veterinary Officer of the Epidemiology Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, FMARD, reported four confirmed anthrax cases and 44 suspected cases. The results of some samples have turned out negative, while others are pending.
The disease has led to the death of 35 animals. The Federal Government, in partnership with collaborators, has dispatched 100,000 vaccine doses for emergency vaccination in Lagos and Niger.
Dr. Sati Ngulukun, Director of Diagnostics and Extension Services at the National Veterinary Research Institute, stressed the urgency of training veterinary officers for proper sample collection and transportation to ensure accurate analysis. He warned against transporting samples from suspected animals via public transportation due to ethical and potential public safety concerns.
Baba Ngelzarma, National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, emphasized the need for education and sensitisation of its members regarding vaccination. He underscored the importance of training along the entire livestock value chain, from farmers to transporters, marketers, and butchers, to ensure the prevention of potential issues.