As a way of uptimizing Animal health and safeguarding the health and well-being of residents against the outbreak of anthrax disease in Nigeria, Ogun State Government, through the Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has constituted an Anthrax Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and a rapid response team to effectively prevent, detect, control, and contain the disease should an outbreak occur.
This was contained in a released issued and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr, Samuel Adeogun, which indicated that the Anthrax EOC comprises key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Environment, as well as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development .
According to the release, the Center is to respond to all aspects of surveillance, risk communication, laboratory diagnosis, logistics, infection, prevention and control, through a collaborative efforts, known as "One Health," which emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts between different sectors to address public health challenges.
The release stated further that, Anthrax which is caused by spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affect animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats but can also pose a risk to humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool, or hides.
It explains further that Infection can occur through inhalation of spores or via cutaneous transmission through contact with contaminated animals and it's product, thus to ensure the safety of residents and prevent potential outbreaks, the general public is urged to avoid contact with any animal that has died suddenly or animals with bleeding from natural body openings and purchase only meat from registered slaughter slabs.
Adeogun further enjoined residents to
report cases of sudden animal death, especially if unclotted blood is exuding through the orifices, to the appropriate authorities.
He assured the general public that adequate measures are being put in place to ensure that meat sold to the public is fit for human consumption, as the Anthrax EOC and rapid response team are committed to swift and effective action, in case of outbreak.
Adeogun said the Ogun State Government remains commited to the health and well-being of its citizens adding that everyone should remain vigilant, follow the prescribed guidelines, and report any suspicious cases promptly to Veterinary House, Ita-Eko or Ministry of Agriculture, Block D, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta or call 08033794450 or 08033892861
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