Kwara State government on Thursday in Ilorin said it had activated a One-Health system programme with key ministries and stakeholders to stem the outbreak of Anthrax disease in the state.
Dr Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Health, said this in an interview.
One-Health concept is a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach, to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognising the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
Ayinla said that there were collaborative efforts between the ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment to ensure they worked together as a team to control any eventual outbreak of the disease.
According to him, various veterinary clinics have also been activated to ensure people have access to veterinary healthcare.
“The government has put in place some necessary veterinary clinics around Zango, Kulende area, Al-Hikma University and Adeta veterinary services to address the challenges that can occur,” he said.
Ayinla said that before the outbreak of anthrax in a multi-species animal farm in Gajiri, Suleja Local Government of Niger State, Kwara government was mindful of its international borders with other countries.
“The government was aware of its international borders at Chikanda, where people bring cattle, rams and goats into the country.
“We engaged and sensitised butchers on ensuring they slaughtered healthy animals for consumption.
“They were also sensitised on some of the symptoms of Anthrax disease and the necessary contacts to make,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary said Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium, which mainly affects animals, adding that humans could become infected through contact with an infected animal or by inhaling spores.
He warned people to avoid eating hide and skin delicacy (ponmo), saying that the rod-shaped bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis is heat resistant.
According to him, people risks contacting the disease if they think they can kill the bacteria through cooking.
“We are also strengthening additional strategy on Tuberculosis and ensuring that the environmental team on abattoirs are active on adequate refuse disposal.
“We advise the general public that Anthrax is no longer a joke; it’s already with us and we must prioritise healthy animals for human consumption.
“People should immediately access health facilities if they observe sores, blisters or painless wounds on their bodies,” Ayinla said.
