Oyo state sensitises butchers, livestock handlers on anthrax dangers
The Oyo State Government has begun to sensitise butchers and livestock dealers on the danger posed by the deadly anthrax disease.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ibadan.
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He said the government would strengthen surveillance of abattoirs for the detection and prevention of zoonotic diseases.
According to him, the sensitisation team had visited Amosun Central Abattoir, Lam Adesina International Cattle Market, and goat market, all in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
The commissioner said the sensitisation was part of the government’s efforts to forestall the outbreak of anthrax disease in the state.
He said, “People can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
“So, the awareness is to inform stakeholders, especially butchers, cattle dealers, sellers and consumers, on the need to guard against anthrax disease and control measures to tackle the menace of anthrax.”
Olaleye said there was currently no suspected or confirmed case of anthrax, he, however, stressed that preventive measures must be adhered to.
“This is the reason the government has put necessary machinery in place to curtail the outbreak of anthrax. All veterinary doctors and relevant officials across the 33 local governments in the state have been put on the red alert,’’ he added.
The commissioner urged all butcher associations and cattle dealers and sellers to ensure animals slaughtered are certified by veterinary doctors. He also implored the general public to be vigilant.
