The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), has urged the federal government to support vaccination for animals and their handlers to curb the spread of anthrax.
Babatunde Salako, director-general of NIMR made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to him, vaccination for animals and people targeting those at risk will greatly reduce the spread of the disease, morbidity and mortality resulting from it.
“The government should support those in animal husbandry to access vaccine for their stock and help farmers who in the course of the epidemic may lose their stock to prevent catastrophic economic loss,” he said.
The NIMR boss further stated that disease surveillance was also key, especially among animals in transit.
He urged the Nigeria Centre Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ministry of Agriculture to cooperate and coordinate public health response and achieve synergy for impact, adding that the country has the capacity to receive and process samples for diagnosis.
“Although diagnosis is simple, we reconfirm the readiness and capacity of laboratories around the country to receive and process samples for diagnosis.
“NCDC should come out with clear instructions on how to handle infected animals and people, more awareness among the public about the symptoms and signs should be intensified through the media,” he said.
Mr Salako advised Nigerians to adhere strictly to all guidelines from the NCDC and the Ministry of Health to curb the spread of anthrax.
Recall that the Federal Government had on July 17, confirmed the country’s index case of Anthrax disease.
Anthrax is primarily a zoonotic disease in herbivores caused by the spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
The disease can be contracted by humans who come in direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool, or hides.
Anthrax may be contracted through the inhalation of spores, while cutaneous anthrax can result from contact with contaminated materials or through open wounds.