Flood-prone communities more predisposed to anthrax infections – Expert

An expert has disclosed that the current flooding being experienced in different parts of the country may increase the risks of anthrax infection and spread among humans.  Extension Veterinarian at Vet World, Agric, in Lagos State Dr. Gerald Olaleye said since Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the spores of a highly resistant bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, flooding helps to moist the ground and creates a suitable habitat for the disease to thrive.

Speaking with reporters, he noted that moisture poses a major risk of exposure to anthrax spores. He said erosion that occurs during flooding increases the chances that animals may ingest the spores of anthrax, adding that the spores, which are found in the soil are brought to the surface by flood, where they find their way into the animals’ system.

Olaleye noted that when the grazing animals ingest the anthrax spores, it hatches, resulting in a full-blown disease and in most cases, leading to the death of animals. He said the bacteria have a special survival mechanism called spore formation, a characteristic that allows the bacteria to produce hardy spores with a high survival rate, and the spores can survive for years under the right conditions as crystals.

According to him, “If the diagnosis of anthrax is suspected, the veterinarian may choose not to perform a necropsy. Instead, the veterinarian will collect blood and submit for a test to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, then vaccination needs to be implemented as quickly as possible.” He, however, warned that consumption of undone or half-cooked meat would predispose humans to animal-to-human infections, saying that meat meant for consumption, should be properly cooked to reduce the chances of infection.

Healthwise/S.S