Victor Ezeja
Lagos State government has begun vaccination of domesticated animals following the outbreak of anthrax disease in parts of the country.
Recall that Nigeria reported its first anthrax outbreak on Monday, July 17 2023.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPermanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, in a statement, confirmed that the first case was detected in Niger State in a farm.
The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture says it has enhanced the surveillance of abattoirs and slaughter slabs in the State.
According to a statement signed by Mrs. Olatokunbo Emokpae, permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, the exercise is to forestall the outbreak of Anthrax disease.
She said the surveillance and vaccination exercise is free of charge will also be conducted alongside the inspection exercise.
Anthrax, an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, affects domesticated animals such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats, and wild animals. Human beings who come in contact with infected animals can also get infected with the disease.
Symptoms of the Anthrax disease in infected animals include sudden death, bleeding from natural orifices – mouth, ear, nose, anus and vulva, in female animals. The blood discharge is usually dark and the dead animal will disintegrate quickly.
Members of the public must not go near or touch animals suspected to have contacted the disease and should immediately report cases of symptoms in animals to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture Director of Veterinary Services on 08023427594, 08180703010 or to the Veterinary Epidemiologist on 08023328244.
The State Government solicits the cooperation of animal owners as Veterinary Personnel vaccinate animals.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
