The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an outbreak of anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease. 

In a statement released yesterday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong, the ministry emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate risks.

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that affects warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans. Symptoms include fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, swollen lymph nodes, and in severe cases, bleeding from major openings. 

It is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality.

The ministry advised livestock farmers to implement preventive measures, including risk assessments, surveys, and ring vaccination of animals in high-risk areas.

 It also urged states bordering Zamfara to take immediate action to prevent further spread, while calling on the public to report unusual illnesses in animals or humans and adhere to preventive guidelines issued by authorities.