Abia Govt strategizes against anthrax

Abia State government has rolled out strategies aimed at preventing outbreak of anthrax disease in the State.

This followed the confirmation by the Federal Government that an outbreak of the deadly disease has been recorded in Gujiri, Suleja Local Government of Niger State.

The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Monica Ironkwe unveiled the measure in a statement through the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Queenlilia Nwokocha.

She encouraged owners of all livestock businesses in the State to remain at alert by promptly reporting any suspected illness and death of animals around them.

The Commissioner advised butchers in Abia to avoid slaughtering animals at home or at other illegal slaughtering slabs.

Ironkwe, who cautioned against selling and eating of products from sick or dead animals, advised the Abia public that Anthrax disease could be spread through animal skin known as kanda or through animal milk.

She further advised the general public, especially livestock value chain operators to increase their good hygiene practices by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and running water after handling animals and their products.

She said any suspected cases of anthrax symptoms such as bleeding from body openings like the nose, mouth, ear and anus should be promptly reported to the veterinary services or Abia State Ministry of Agriculture and its offices across the State.