Vaccinate animals, handlers to contain anthrax spread – NIMR DG tells FG

As relevant government agencies continue to heighten surveillance of anthrax to contain its spread across the country, the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Professor Babatunde Salako has called on the federal government to ensure both animals and their handlers are vaccinated.

He made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday, noting that paying attention to live stocks and their handlers would prevent transmission of the disease.

NAN reports that the Federal Government on July 17, confirmed the index case of Anthrax disease in the country.

Anthrax is primarily a zoonotic disease in herbivores caused by a bacterium called bacillus anthracis which affects animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.

Anthrax disease can also infect humans who come in direct contact with infected animals or consume contaminated animal products.

The NIMR DG said that livestock and their handlers should be given more attention, while the public should be enlightened on what to do to prevent the spread of the disease.

He said, “Veterinary doctors should be more proactive in the treatment of cases and inspection of animals for public consumption.

“Vaccination for animals and people targeting those at risk will greatly reduce the spread of the disease, morbidity and mortality resulting from it.

“The government should support those in animal husbandry to access vaccine for their stock and help farmers who in the course of epidemic may lose their stock to prevent catastrophic economic loss.”

Prof. Salako further said that disease surveillance was key, especially among animals in transit.

He urged the Nigeria Centre Disease Control and the Ministry of Agriculture to cooperate, to coordinate public health response and achieve synergy for impact.

According to him, the country has the capacity to receive and process samples for diagnosis.

“Although diagnosis is simple, we reconfirm readiness and capacity of laboratories around the country to receive and process samples for diagnosis.

“NCDC should come out with clear instructions on how to handle infected animals and people. More awareness should be created among the public about the symptoms and signs through the media,’’ he added.

Salako advised Nigerians to adhere strictly to all guidelines from NCDC and the Ministry of Health, to curb the spread of anthrax.