Anthrax Outbreak: Government alerts Nigerians to health risks of ‘Ponmo’, bush meat consumption

*Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, cautions Nigerian consumers against anthrax, which has claimed some lives in Northern Ghana, and some other West African countries, as a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has alerted the Nigerian public to the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region, including Northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, in a statement warned Nigerian consumers against the consumption of hides (Ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat.

Hide and skin product known as ”Ponmo’ in local parlance 

ConsumerConnect reports Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive and rod-shaped bacterium that causes anthrax, a deadly disease to livestock and, occasionally, to humans.

It is said to be the “only permanent pathogen within the genus Bacillus”.

Its infection is a type of zoonosis, as it is transmitted from animals to humans.

Umakhihe also stated that Anthrax, which has claimed some lives in the affected countries, is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects both animals and man.

Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil, and it commonly affects domestic and wild animals.

The Permanent Secretary also said: “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby alerts the general public on the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African Sub-Region; specifically, Northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

“The Disease, which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is, a zoonotic disease.

“Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.

How to protect yourself from infection

The Ministry further stated: “People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

“However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.”

The statement also said: “Signs of Anthrax are flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, muscle aches, and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.

“Being a bacterial disease, it responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.”

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as well said: “The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (pomo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risks until the situation is brought under control.

“Meanwhile, the public is urged to remain calm and vigilant as the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Furthermore, relevant institutions and collaborators have been contacted with the aim of controlling the outbreak.

“This is in addition to the sensitization of state directors of veterinary services nationwide.”

Beware of consumption of contaminated/infected animal products

According to Umakhihe, it is primarily a disease of animals but because of man’s closeness to animals, non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated/infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.

The Permanent Secretary, therefore, urged the country’s border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos to intensify vaccination of animals, because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.

He said: “However, infected animals cannot be vaccinated but animals at risk can be vaccinated. “So, in this present case, there is a need to intensify animal vaccinations along the border States of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.

“Other states of Nigeria are equally advised to join in the exercise.”

Umakhihe stated: “Infected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil along with equipment used in the burial after applying chemicals that will kill the Anthrax spores.

“Annual vaccinations with Anthrax spore vaccines are available at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State and is the cheapest and easiest means of prevention and control of the disease in animals.”

Kindly Share This Story