Enugu and Kwara state governments have urged residents of the states not to panic over the outbreak of anthrax.

They said measures were in place to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the states.

While the Enugu State government said it had put its Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development on the alert with proactive measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the state, Kwara State said it had activated a One-Health system programme with key ministries and stakeholders to stem the outbreak of the disease in the state.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium, which mainly affects animals.

Human beings can become infected with the disease through contact with an infected animal alive or dead as well as by inhaling infected spores.

The symptoms of anthrax can range from a skin ulcer with a dark scab to difficulty in breathing.

But antibiotic treatment cures most infections. Inhaled anthrax is harder to treat and can be fatal.

State Epidemiologist and Disease Reporting Officer in the Veterinary Services Department of Enugu State Ministry of Health, Dr. Cosmas Omeh, and the Permanent Secretary in the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, gave the assurance in Enugu and Ilorin.

Omeh said: “Residents should not panic. The veterinary Services Department is on the alert and proactive to protect the health of all by daily ensuring disease-free, fit and wholesome meat for human consumption in all markets.

“Area Veterinary Officers and Surveillance Officers at the zonal and local government areas, have the mandate to watch out for the clinical signs/symptoms of anthrax daily.”

Ayinla said the Kwara State’s One-Health concept is a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognising the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.

The permanent secretary said there were collaborative efforts between the ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment to control any eventual outbreak of the disease.

According to him, various veterinary clinics have also been activated to ensure people have access to veterinary healthcare.

“The government has put in place some necessary veterinary clinics around Zango, Kulende area, Al-Hikma University and Adeta Veterinary Services to address the challenges that can occur,” he said.