The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Kwara State Chapter, wishes to call the attention of the Government and the General public to the outbreak of the index case of Anthrax in Nigeria, which coincidentally was discovered in Niger State, a state that shares significant land border with Kwara State.

It is imperative to note that Anthrax is a zoonotic spore-forming bacterial disease that poses significant danger and risk to Humans and has significant risk of ravaging the livestock industry by depleting the protein source for the general populace and the attendant negative socio-economic implications.

Going Forward, we wish to draw the attention of the Kwara State Government on the need to actively engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent the onslaught of Anthrax in our dear state. Approximately 65% of Large Ruminants(Cows) and Small ruminants(sheep and goats) that are slaughtered and traded in Kwara state are usually en route Niger state and quite unfortunately, there is no appropriate quarantine protocol in place at the different land borders and animal control post.

These borders(our First Line of Defense) are in a state of utter disrepair, no funding, with no personnel(Animal Health Workers) in place to ensure that the necessary animal health protocols are put in place.

Also, We will like to encourage the Kwara State Government to pay full attention to all Kara Markets and Abattoirs (Both Government and Privately owned) in the 16 local government areas of the state and also recruit more veterinary personnel to man them so as to guarantee safe, and wholesome meat/meat products in these Abattoirs and Kara markets (due to Anthrax outbreak).

Ladies and Gentlemen, while the clinical signs of Anthrax in Animals can be multifaceted, it is important to note that, human present with fever, chills, headache, Cough, Shortness of breath and Chest discomfort.

As an Association, we are therefore imploring livestock farmers, herders and the general public to exhibit great level of restraints as it concerns purchase of meat and meat products from unregistered Slaughter slabs and Abattoirs that are not under the monitoring and inspection of Veterinarians.
This is important as no one other than Veterinarians can independently verify the source and health of the animals that are being slaughtered at those premises.

In addendum, we are also admonishing, Pet owners(Dogs), Dog breeders and fish farmers who are in the habit of feeding dead animals to their Pets and stocks to desist as it is against Public Health Interest.

Conclusively, the Association in Kwara State is ready to support the Kwara state Government towards ensuring Public Health and safeguarding the lives and economic interest of Kwarans.

We are therefore asking any member of the General Public that are experiencing symptoms consistent with Anthrax as individuals or on their farms should please contact the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health.

Thank you and God bless.

Dr. Toluwase Niyi,
Secretary,
Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association.
Kwara State Chapter.