Anthrax is a dangerous bacterial disease that can infect humans as well as animals, including farm animals and wild animals like cows, pigs, camels, sheep, and goats.

The government provided preventative measures for Nigerians and livestock owners to lessen the risk of anthrax infection and transmission in an effort to prevent the spread.

The first case of anthrax was discovered on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, according to a statement by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba T. Vakuru.

He disclosed that a Rapid Response team comprising federal and state Health Professional Team have visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals.

Vakuru explained that animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.

He said: “The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

“A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and states One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals. Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.”

According to the NCDC, the bacteria, which exist as spores, can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals, adding that it affects humans through eating and direct contact with infected animals and breathing in the spores, which is “the deadliest form of the disease.”

The Disease Control agency noted that symptoms in animals include high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, bleeding from all bodily openings (nose, mouth, ears, anus, etc.), swelling, difficulty in breathing, and bloody diarrhea.

Nigerians were warned by the government to stay away from any unnecessary trips to Ghana’s northern regions, especially the Upper East Region, where the outbreak was detected.

It advised Nigerians to use caution while purchasing livestock from states bordering Benin, Chad, and Niger as well as from Ghana and Togo via waterways. It also recommended that rams or cattle intended for the festive season be closely monitored for symptoms of illness before slaughter.