Anthrax: Oyo sensitises butchers, livestock dealers to prevent outbreak

The Oyo government has begun sensitisation of butchers and livestock dealers in the state on the anthrax disease.

Anthrax is an infection caused by the spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus anthracis. It typically affects ruminants such as cows, sheep, and goats.

It is a zoonotic disease — transmissible from contaminated animals to humans.

Humans can get infected if they handle or are involved in the slaughter of a sick animal, or are in contact with contaminated animal products.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, commissioner for agriculture and rural development, said the state government would strengthen surveillance of abattoirs for detection and prevention of the animal disease.

He said the sensitisation team had visited Amosun central abattoir, Lam Adesina international cattle market, and goat market, all in Akinyele LGA of Oyo.

Olaleye said the sensitisation was part of the government’s efforts to forestall the outbreak of anthrax disease in the state.

“People can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“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.”

The commissioner said there is currently no suspected or confirmed case of anthrax in the state.

“This is the reason 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 red alert,” he said.

The commissioner urged all butcher associations and cattle dealers and sellers to support government’s efforts in preventing the outbreak of anthrax in the state.

He appealed to them to ensure that cattle and other animals slaughtered are certified ones by veterinary doctors while imploring the public to be cautioned on animals they consume.