FG Confirms First Anthrax Case In Niger

The Federal Government, on Monday, confirmed the first case of anthrax in Nigeria, stating that the disease was detected in a farm in Niger State.

The FG had specifically stated that the disease was widespread in northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo, as it also promised to keep the Nigerians updated on developments about the disease.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that it was “deeply concerned to announce the confirmation of an anthrax case in Niger State, Nigeria.”

The FMARD stated that a rapid response team of federal and states’ One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals.

Anthrax

Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium – Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

It can also infect humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool or hides.