Nigeria quarantines farm as anthrax outbreak confirmed

BREAKING NEWS:Nigeria is taking decisive action to contain the spread of anthrax following report cases at a livestock farm located in the north-west of the capital, Abuja.

The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the outbreak after detecting symptoms of the disease at a farm in Gajiri, situated along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway in Niger state.

In response, the affected farm has been placed under quarantine measures, and authorities have dispatched 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccine to the area.

Anthrax primarily affects livestock, but humans can also contract the disease through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated animal products.

The causative agent, Bacillus anthracis, primarily survives as spores that can persist in soil for extended periods before entering an animal’s body through cuts or wounds.

Clinical signs of anthrax in animals include sudden death and bleeding from the nose, mouth, and anal region.

The government is urging livestock owners, farmers, and the general public to maintain vigilance and report any suspected cases promptly.

Furthermore, farmers are advised to refrain from slaughtering sick animals to prevent exposure to anthrax spores.

While anthrax can be treated with antibiotics, prompt initiation of treatment is crucial. Thus far, no cases of human exposure have been reported.

Livestock farming and herding play a significant role in many communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, as they contribute to the livelihoods of individuals and the supply of meat throughout the country.

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