The federal government of Nigeria has alerted livestock breeders and poultry farmers of the outbreak of anthrax in neighbouring countries, according to a press release from the Poultry Association of Nigeria.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Ernest Afolabi Ernest indicated that Nigeria was alerted on the outbreak of the zoonotic disease in Northern Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo.

The statement called for caution and vaccination of animals in the states of Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos.

According to the statement, the disease has so far claimed the lives of farmers and their livestock in the neighbouring countries.

“The general public is therefore advised to desist from the consumption of hides (Pomo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose a serious risk until the situation is brought under control”, the government advised. 

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that affects both humans and animals. Poultry farmers can be impacted by anthrax, although the disease primarily affects herbivores such as cattle and sheep. The susceptibility of poultry to anthrax may vary depending on the specific strain and circumstances of exposure. According to available literature, cattle and sheep are more susceptible to anthrax compared to goats, horses, and poultry.

While anthrax is susceptible to various antibiotics, including penicillin and oxytetracycline, these treatments are most effective under field conditions. In the event of an outbreak, it is crucial to implement early measures to break the infection cycle, such as maintaining strict biosecurity and vaccinating uninfected animals. Anthrax remains a challenge in farm animal production in many countries, including those where poultry farming is practiced.