The Zamfara State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, and key partners, has intensified its one health approach to address the anthrax outbreak in the state.
PUNCH Online reports that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development earlier on Tuesday confirmed an outbreak of anthrax on a farm in the state and called for heightened vigilance and immediate measures to contain the disease.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, disclosed the government’s efforts during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
She emphasised that proactive measures, including massive sensitisation and vaccination campaigns, are underway to curb the outbreak.
“We need to improve coverage and sensitisation in the state,” Maradun said, highlighting the importance of robust public awareness and vaccination efforts.
The Director of Health, Dr Yusuf Haske, also underscored the necessity of involving stakeholders in the livestock value chain to enhance early detection and swift responses.
“Engaging animals and livestock value stakeholders is crucial for early detection,” Haske stated.
Providing further updates, the State Veterinary Epidemiologist, Dr. Usman Gusau, reported minimal animal fatalities.
“So far, only two animal mortalities were recorded, and no human case has been reported,” he noted.
Gusau stressed the significance of early identification and reporting of suspected cases, adding, “We are working closely with community leaders and traditional healers to raise awareness and encourage prompt reporting.”
Commending the state government’s swift action, the World Health Organisation Coordinator for Zamfara, Dr Mukhtar Raji, described the one health approach as essential for tackling zoonotic diseases like anthrax.
“WHO is committed to supporting the state government in all aspects of the outbreak response, including surveillance, case management, risk communication, and community engagement,” Raji pledged.
He also emphasised the importance of awareness campaigns targeting cattle breeders.
The International Rescue Committee has also pledged its support to help control the outbreak.
To strengthen coordination, Dr. Kabir Husaini, a Veterinary Public Officer, has been appointed as the Incident Manager
He assured stakeholders of his dedication and outlined the development of an incident action plan to guide response interventions across all levels.
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats but can also infect humans who come into contact with infected animals, their products, or contaminated environments.