Ekiti Government Alerts Public On Anthrax Disease 

… Advises On Health Measures, Prevention To Adopt In Combating It

… Warns Public Against Consumption Of ‘Ponmo’, Smoked Meat, Bush Meat, Others 

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By Falayi Olarewaju 

The Ekiti State government has alerted the general public and the people of Ekiti State on the new disease discovered and named Anthrax as it advised on the health measures to be adopted in preventing and combating it in the State.

Alerting the public and the people of Ekiti State about the new disease on Wednesday, through a press release jointly signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Ekiti State, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, and the Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security in Ekiti State, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade and sent to the media houses in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital, “they described Anthrax as a serious disease that affects both animals and humans known as Zoonotic. They listed the flu-like symptoms to include cough, painless sores with a black centre appearing after the blister, fever, and muscle aches.

Speaking further, the two government officials “explained that if those discovered to have been infected with the Anthrax disease are not diagnosed and treated on time, it can result into severe complications such as pneumonia, respiratory problems, shock and even death”.

In addition, “Anthrax was described as a disease of animals, that if not duly proximitly put to a stop between humans and animals, it can easily be transmitted to humans through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated or infected animal products such as hides and skins, meat, and milk among other things”. 

While educating the public on the Anthrax disease, most especially as regards it’s treatment/vaccination, they emphasized on the need to critically intensified the vaccination of animals found to be at risk as well as ensuring the proper vaccination protocols of the health and well-being of livestocks. 

Other preventive measures revealed includes the proper disposal of suspected and infected animals, ensuring that the suspected or infected animals exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms are buried deeply into the soil along with the equipments used in the burial.

“Prior to burial, appropriate chemicals should be applied to kill the anthrax spores, ensuring its containment and preventing further spread”.

The press release also cautioned and strongly advised the people to avoid and abstain from risky consumptions of hides known as ‘ponmo’, smoked meat, as well as bush meat which posed a serious risk until the situation is brought under control. They stressed the need to prioritize public health and safety of every citizen during this time.

“In observing hygiene practices, Ekiti people were also counselled to maintain environmental and personal hygiene in places where by-products like hides Ponmo, bone meal, and blood meal are produced. Such areas should be maintained in a clean and sanitized condition to minimize the risk of contamination”. 

“We specifically encourage persons at risks such as people who handle animals, people who consume dead animals, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers and anyone who recently travelled to a location with a confirmed anthrax case to take their hygiene practices seriously”. 

They added that for effective disinfection, “prior to processing, wool, hides, and bone meal should be properly disinfected using appropriate chemicals that effectively kill anthrax spores. This step is crucial to ensuring the safety of the end products”.

Also, in offering a veterinary assistance,  “If anthrax is suspected and an animal eventually dies, it is vital not to open the carcass. Instead, promptly contact a veterinarian who will perform aseptic procedures to collect blood samples for analysis from the peripheral blood vessels”.

Meanwhile, to decontaminate, they advised that any area or soil where a suspected dead animal is found should be thoroughly decontaminated. This measure is essential to preventing further transmission and ensuring a safe environment for all. 

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They also called on the citizens to report any suspicion observed or noticed always by contacting the Regional Veterinary Officers, who will, in turn, report to the Director of Veterinary Services in the State, who will report all suspicion based on the aforementioned signs. 

“In addition, a report should also be made to the State Ministry of Health authorities in case anthrax is confirmed and human contacts need to be managed. Early reporting and prompt action are crucial to containing the spread of the disease. We urged the public not to slaughter or consume sick animals”. 

We urge the general public, farmers, butchers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to adhere strictly to above preventive measures to safeguard public health and prevent the further spread of the anthrax disease. 

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The State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and Human Services and will provide updates and further guidance as necessary. Citizens should only share information from verified sources like Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, The State Ministry of Health, NCDC and WHO.

They called on the public to reach out for more education and enlightenment on the Anthrax disease as well as alert the State Director of Veterinary Services on 0700698478 or visit the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the State Secretariat in Ado Ekiti on the these emergency numbers – 070492004288, 070492004236 and 070492004334 as well as for more details and guidelines. 

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