Following the recent announcement of the outbreak of anthrax in Ghana, the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through the Veterinary Department, has taken proactive measures to sensitize government abattoirs along Ikpoba Slope, Benin City, about the recent outbreak of the disease in Ghana.
The state epidemiologists’ team, led by Dr.James Igenoza, disclosed that anthrax is a serious bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals, adding that the symptoms of anthrax in humans are similar to those of malaria.
He disclosed that the sensitization exercise was aimed at equipping the operators of the abattoirs with necessary measures to prevent and stop the spread of the deadly disease, noting that although there have been no cases of anthrax in Nigeria, it is important to maintain high standards of hygiene in abattoirs across the state.
Dr. Igenoza said that anthrax is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted from animals to humans, explaining that the bacteria that causes anthrax can be found in soil and bodies of infected animals.
According to him, the symptoms of anthrax in humans include fever, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath and cough, while in some cases, anthrax can be fatal.
Dr. Igenoza urged the operators of the abattoirs to take steps to prevent the spread of anthrax, emphasizing that they should wash their hands thoroughly after handling animals or animal products, wear gloves and masks when handling animals or animal products, dispose of animal carcasses properly, and to also clean and disinfect the abattoirs regularly.
He also urged the general public to be aware of the symptoms of anthrax and to seek medical attention if they suspect that they have been infected.
The operators of the abattoirs, who received the sensitisation messages with delight, expressed gratitude for the information and the advice, assuring that they would take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of anthrax in their facilities.
