The House of Representatives has called on the ministry of agriculture and rural development, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant federal government agencies to put in all necessary preventive measures to stop the spread of Anthrax in the country.
This followed a resolution and adoption of a motion moved by Adamu Tanko (PDP,Niger) during plenary on Tuesday.
He informed that, there was already a report by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development concerning the presence of anthrax in Nigeria.
According to him, the laboratory test conducted on the collected samples by the National Veterinary Research Institute, has confirmed the first reported case at a livestock farm located in Gayin village along the Abuja Expressway, Suleija, Niger State.
He said, “Similar cases of the diseases were confirmed in Northem Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo with symptoms, including sudden death and blood oozing from natural body openings (nose, ear, mouth, and anal region) and spread through affected livestock, bush meat, and contaminated environments”.
Tanko said, there are concerns over the potential spread of the disease to other livestock farms in the country and its possible impact on public health.
The lawmaker added, “Anthrax may affect humans in direct contact wi affected animals and contaminated products, with potential inhalating, through spores or Wounds”
He therefore called on the ministry of agriculture and rural development to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in implementing effective surveillance, vaccination, and awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak and provide adequate resources and support to affected communities.
The House adopted the motion and mandate the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to monitor compliance .
