Oyo State government has called on its residents to report any case of anthrax and other animal disease in their domain.
The call was made at a media sensitization at the Oke-Ogun Axis held at Kara Market, Iseyin on Friday.
The state governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by deputy director, Liadi Adeniran and state Epidemiologist and Veterinary Services, Ministry Of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Semiu Akibu.
In a brief lecture, State Animal Epidemiologist, Dr. Semiu Akibu explained that the outbreak of anthrax in the neigbouring West African Countries, Ghana, Saotome, reported in some states in the country including Niger, Plateau ,Kogi and Lagos has called for urgent attention for a healthy living and continued economic performance of the state.
Dr. Akibu noted that anthrax, being a bacteria disease and airborne could pose threats to pig, sheep, goat, cow and other animal health.
The veterinary expert added that the disease could lead to weakness, fever, difficult breathing, blood oozing, when inhaled or ingested.
In his contribution, Oyo State Animal Disease Survelliance Agent,Irepo , Dr. Tunde Adetola assured cattle rearers of readiness of the state government to make available vaccines for the prevention of anthrax both for human and animals
” Anthrax has been indexed in Ghana. Saotome, even in some states in Nigeria including Niger, Plateau, Lagos. None is confirmed yet in the country.
” symptoms of an anthrax infected disease could include fever, oozing of blood around sensitive parts. Anthrax is airborne, easily transmissible from infected animal to human. “
“The state government is pretty on its toe against anthrax. Toll number has been rolled out today for report of anthrax and animal related diseases, while once this is confirmed, farmers should not touch, but should report to the authorities instead of converting the chance an economy blessing which could result in negative effect”, Dr. Adetola noted.
Chairman, Oyo State Butchers Association, Comrade Lateef Olagoke applauded the state government for the sensitization, maintained that there is a stern punishment for any member who may flout the given guideline against the anthrax in the state.
” we have learned a lot today, and I want to assure that every member of the association would comply.
” Any member with infected animals should report to a nearest veterinary doctor, and never to slaughter. In fact, there is a capital punishment for any member who flouts the existing guidelines against anthrax in the state”, he reiterated.
Earlier, Chairman, Oyo State Miyetti Allah Association, Abubakar Ibrahim, represented by Yakurbu Bello appreciated proactiveness of the state government in tackling diseases, called on the state residents to promptly inform the concerned authority when animals are found sick.
