The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an outbreak of anthrax on a farm in Zamfara State.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Ben Goong, disclosed it this Tuesday, saying that there is a need for extra vigilance and measures to contain the disease.
The ministry said it is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and can affect warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wildlife and humans. It outlined its symptoms, including fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major openings.
“While anthrax is preventable through coordinated efforts such as risk assessment, surveys, and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas, prompt detection and response are critical to containing its spread,” the statement read.
The ministry urged stakeholders, especially neighbouring states, to take precautionary measures.
The ministry said, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response.”