By Dare Akogun
Following the confirmation of Anthrax outbreak in a multi-specie animal farm in Gajiri, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, the Kwara State Government has taken prompt measures to curb the spread of the disease into the State.
A statement by the Press Secretary of the ministry Ganiyu Adebisi today stated that as part of the proactive measures, the state government, through the Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has released a new Public Health Advisory with a view to preventing the disease from entering the state.
The advisory released by the Director of Veterinary Services of the Ministry, Dr. Abdullateef Olugbon encouraged all livestock owners and stakeholders in the livestock business to increase their alertness and ensure prompt reporting of suspicious illness and death of their animals.
It advised butchers against slaughtering animals at home and other illegal abattoirs and slaughter slabs, warning that butchers should henceforth desist from slaughtering sick animals for public consumption, and avoid selling or eating products from sick or dead animals such as skin, hides, and milk.
The public health advisory further enjoined the general public, especially livestock value chain operators, to increase their good hygiene practice by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals or their products.
The new health advisory also enjoined the livestock farmers and the general public to report any suspected cases of anthrax symptoms to the nearest veterinary authorities or the State Ministry of Agriculture and its offices across the state.
