In a significant effort to curb the transmission of anthrax among animals and humans, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has generously contributed 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccines to the Lagos State government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The ministry’s Assistant Director of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, issued a statement in Abuja, disclosing this vital development to the media.
The occasion was marked by a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, held at the state secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos….CONTINUE READING
During this visit, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, conveyed that the donation of these vaccines will expedite the vaccination process for animals against anthrax.
This initiative will ensure that meat vendors offer healthy products to consumers and guarantee the overall health of the livestock sector. Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, Deputy Director of Veterinary and Pests Control Services, represented Dr. Umakhihe during the visit.
Anthrax, an infectious zoonotic ailment caused by bacteria, affects both domesticated and wild animals. Furthermore, it poses a risk to humans, particularly those who work closely with infected animals.
Dr. Umakhihe emphasized the significance of raising public awareness and engaging stakeholders in efforts to prevent and control the disease within Lagos State.
He stated, “Our primary goal in visiting is to promote awareness and sensitize stakeholders about disease prevention and control in Nigeria. Additionally, we have collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to provide 50,000 doses of Anthrax vaccine to the state.
This collaboration is designed to equip cattle merchants and butchers with the knowledge of disease symptoms and signs, enabling them to promptly alert veterinary authorities.
Dr. Umakhihe also underscored the importance of implementing surveillance in slaughter slabs, abattoirs, livestock markets, and entry points across the state. This proactive approach aims to identify the disease at its early stages, preventing its rapid spread.
