By Gom Mirian
The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has expressed deep concerns over the country’s high risk of anthrax due to its close border with Ghana and illegal movement of livestock into the country.
The Director-General, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo M. O Adetifa, who disclosed this on Wednesday on the Agency’s website, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the close border with Ghana makes Nigeria extremely vulnerable to the introduction and transmission of anthrax.
He said this could facilitate the spread of the deadly disease across Nigeria, posing a significant threat to both humans and livestock.
Anthrax is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects animals, including livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. However, it can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, their products or contaminated soil.
He, therefore, stressed the need for urgent action and collaboration between the two countries to prevent an outbreak and control the potential spread of the disease.
However, there has been no suspected or confirmed case of anthrax in Nigeria, he said, adding that government has certain measures in place, including the Establishment of a National Anthrax Technical Working Group (TWG), Dissemination of a press release, to notify veterinarians, cattle rearers and the public of the outbreak in the northern region of Ghana.
Anthrax outbreaks have been sporadically reported in different parts of Nigeria in recent years, causing significant economic losses to the livestock industry and posing a health risk to humans. However, the situation is exacerbated by the country’s geographical location and its porous borders, which allow for the illegal movement of animals and animal products.
