The Federal Government has donated 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccines to the Lagos State Government to mitigate the spread of the disease to animals and humans in the state.
The FG made the donation through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture in Ikeja, according to a statement from FMARD in Abuja on Monday.
The Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Ernest Umakhihe, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Veterinary and Pests Control Services, Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, said the donation of the vaccines would fast-track vaccination of animals against anthrax.
He said the initiative would also ensure that the butchers sell healthy meat, as well as safeguard the livestock sub-sector.
Umakhihe explained that anthrax, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, affects both domestic and wild animals and could also affect humans, especially those working closely with infected animals.
He pointed out that the bacteria, which exist as spores, could be found in the soil, wool or hair of infected animals.
The permanent secretary added that animals could be infected when they breathe in or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plant or water.
“The essence of our visit is to create awareness and sensitisation among stakeholders in the prevention and control of the disease in Nigeria.
“We have also provided 50,000 free doses of the anthrax vaccine to the state in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
“The cattle merchants and butchers need to know the symptoms and signs of this disease so that they can immediately alert the veterinary authorities,” Umakhike stated.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Ibironke Emokpae, appreciated the FMARD for its support in curtailing the spread of anthrax in the state.
“Vaccinations have begun in the state and we have set up surveillance and biosecurity at the point of entry in abattoirs,” she stated.
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