The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially confirmed the first case of Anthrax in the country, following the detection of the disease in a farm in Niger State. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development disclosed this information in a statement, expressing deep concern over the outbreak.

According to the statement released on Monday, the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria was alerted to animals showing symptoms of a suspected case of anthrax on a multi-specie animal farm in Suleja, Niger State. The farm, located at Gajiri along Abuja-Kaduna expressway, housed cattle, sheep, and goats, some of which exhibited symptoms such as blood oozing from their body openings (anus, nose, eyes, and ears).

A Rapid Response team comprising federal and state One Health professionals conducted preliminary investigations and collected samples from the affected animals. Subsequent laboratory tests at the National Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.

All animals affected by the disease have sadly died. The Federal Government had earlier communicated the risk of anthrax incursion into the country, following confirmed outbreaks in Ghana and other West African countries.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affecting animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. However, it can also infect humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or consume contaminated animal products. The disease can be transmitted through contaminated pasture, feed, and water, and its spores can persist in the environment for decades.

In response to the outbreak, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger State government, has taken proactive measures to control and contain the disease. These measures include quarantining the affected farm, deploying 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccines for ring vaccination of susceptible animals around the infected farm, and educating farm workers using a One-health approach on symptoms, preventive measures, and reporting any signs of the disease.

Furthermore, the Ministry has finalized plans for a state-wide vaccination of susceptible animals against anthrax, intensified passive surveillance activities in livestock farms, markets, and abattoirs, and heightened targeted public awareness campaigns on anthrax.

The Ministry also urges all livestock owners to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicion of illness or deaths on their farms. Livestock owners are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products, avoid slaughtering sick animals, and take necessary precautions when handling them. The responsible disposal of animal carcasses, in consultation with veterinarians and public health officers, is also emphasized to prevent further transmission.