The Federal Government (FG) has sounded an alarm on the consumption of cow skin, popularly known as ponmo, and bush meat, due to surging Anthrax disease out break, reports ITREALMS.
ITREALMS gathered that Anthrax is a contagious disease that occurs naturally in soil and animals.
According to Umakhihe, Anthrax could affect humans who come in contact with infected animals or products, and comes with flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, and muscle aches.
The disease, FG also said, could lead to lung and respiratory issues, shock and death if not properly diagnosed.
The PS then noted that the disease had been detected in the northern part of Ghana, which borders Burkina Faso and Togo.
“The disease, which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man; that is, it is a zoonotic disease. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
“The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risks, until the situation is brought under control. Meanwhile, the public is urged to remain calm and vigilant as the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,” he noted.
He added that directors of veterinary services nationwide had been sensitised on the issue, as he urged border states in Nigeria to intensify vaccinations of animals.
“Infected animals cannot be vaccinated but animals at risk can be vaccinated. So in this present case, there is a need to intensify animal vaccinations along border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana. Other states of Nigeria are equally advised to join in the exercise,” he said.
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