Anthrax: Oyo State Government Sensitizes Butchers, Cattle Dealers

As a measure to prepare against the outbreak of Anthrax, the Oyo State Government has sensitised butchers and livestock dealers on the deadly disease, as it also strengthened surveillance of abattoirs for detection and prevention of the animal disease.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the government was concerned about forestalling the outbreak of anthrax disease in the state, disclosing that anthrax, which occurs naturally in the soil and affects domestic and wild animals, is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacteria – Bacillus anthracis.

He noted that people could get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, asserting that the awareness was to inform stakeholders, especially butchers, cattle dealers/sellers, and consumers, on the need to guard against anthrax disease.

The commissioner stated that although there was currently no suspected or confirmed case of anthrax in the state, preventive measures must be adhered to, explaining that the essence of the sensitisation was to create awareness on the preventive and control measures to tackle the menace of anthrax.

Olaleye said butchers and cattle dealers/sellers need to know the symptoms of anthrax disease and how to prevent it.

He stated: “The state government, under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, has put every machinery in place with necessary stakeholders to curtail the outbreak of the anthrax. Part of it is that information has been sent to all veterinary doctors and directors of agric across the 33 Local Government areas in the state to be on red alert.”

The commissioner, however, called on the association of butchers, cattle dealers, and cattle sellers to support the government’s effort in preventing anthrax by ensuring that cattle to be slaughtered were well observed by veterinary doctors.

Olaleye advised the general public to be cautioned on animals they consume, as the disease could only be contacted through animals, explaining that the deadly disease that had claimed some lives was a bacteria disease that affects both animals and man.

Speaking on the Anthrax disease, the Deputy Director, Veterinaries Services, Dr Mofoluwake Ibitoye, said anthrax is an infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis that occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals.

She disclosed that the affected animal would go off feed, be weak, may have fever for a while, and when its dies, there would be unclotted blood (watery blood) flowing from all the openings in the body, such as anus, nostrils, mouth and ear.

Ibitoye advised citizens to inform the nearest veterinary doctors or contact the ministry when any of the symptoms are noticed, revealing that the ministry was collaborating with other MDAs to ensure people are fully aware of the disease.

He equally urged butchers and the general public to be cautious and ensure they patronise only government-approved abattoirs, as well as to go for hygienic animals for their consumption.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Butchers Association, Ibadan North Chapter, Mr Nureni Areo, commended the government for being proactive, stressing that the government should ensure total enforcement.

He advised that only government-approved abattoirs in the state should be patronised, urging the government to ensure proper screening of animals before entering the state and expressed readiness of the association to support the government.

Places visited for the awareness were Amosun Central Abattoir, Lam Adesina International Cattle Market, and Goat Sellers Market at the Akinyele Local Government Area, amongst others.