Nigeria records index case of Anthrax

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed first case of Anthrax, a deadly zoonotic disease, in Nigeria

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Federation, Dr Columba Vakuru.

He said the case was dictated in a private farm in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

He said the case was first reported on July 14, with animals manifesting symptoms of the disease.

The Vet officer said a laboratory test confirmed the disease and the farm has been put under quarantine.

“To this end, the federal and the Niger State governments have taken measures to ensure the outbreak is controlled and contained quickly in Nigeria”, Dr. Vakuru maintained.

According to him, the Federal Government also announced that plans are underway to conduct nationwide vaccinations of cattle, sheep and goats against anthrax.

“Surveillance of anthrax will be heightened on livestock farms, markets and abattoirs”, the Vet Officer added.