The Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC says there is no trace of animal-to-human transmission of anthrax in the country.
The head of a health division of the NCDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmed says the organization is vigilant and monitoring the situation in Suleja where the first case was directed.
The federal government under one health intensifies awareness campaign particularly in Suleja Emirate of Niger state on the symptoms of Anthrax and how to avoid it.
Emir of Suleja, Muhammadu Auwal Ibrahim has also mobilized the district head to report any case of Animal morality in their domain and avoid consuming the meat without verification from veterinary officers.
Chronicle NG reports that NCDC had stated that it is unclear if the anthrax disease has spread to other States in Nigeria.
The NCDC made the announcement just hours after the federal government confirmed the first case through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Ifedayo Adetifa, the executive director of the NCDC, in an interview with Channels Television, stated that anthrax entered the country from nearby countries.
“The case was in a multi specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep, and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes, and ears,” he said.
“Earlier there were significant movements of animals in the area of the last religious feast. The areas are called down south, and it’s possible that in that region where animals are infected may have made their way into the country.
“Most especially for animals that were brought in across the borders. So, in this context, this is the first animal we have diagnosed its condition with, so there may be other animals with it.”
