Anthrax Alert: EHOAN warns butchers to avoid slaughtering infected animals

By Richard Akintade, Osogbo

The Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) Lagos State Branch has issued a critical warning to all butchers in the State regarding the outbreak of anthrax in animals.

Dr. Akinyele Cyril B, the President of EHOAN, delivered this cautionary message during a comprehensive campaign against anthrax in Lagos State.

Anthrax is a highly infectious bacterial disease that primarily affects various animal species, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, pigs, and wildlife.

Given that butchers are major stakeholders in the state, the association emphasizes the need for utmost caution to prevent infection in both animals and humans.

Dr. Cyril highlighted that the current administration, led by Governor Sanwo Olu, “prioritizes the health and well-being of the people in Lagos State.

“Therefore, the butchers must exercise extreme care to avoid contracting or transmitting the disease.

“Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and can spread to humans who come into direct contact with infected animals, whether alive or dead.

“Symptoms may manifest between 1 to 8 weeks after exposure to anthrax spores and include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, weakness, chest discomfort, and difficulty in breathing.

“Infected animals often die suddenly without displaying signs of illness. Notably, dark, unclothed blood may flow from body openings like the nose, mouth, ears, and anal region of the affected animals, and their carcasses do not become stiff after death.”

To prevent further spread of the disease, EHOAN Lagos State advised farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to strictly adhere to preventive measures against anthrax.

Additionally, the butchers were urged not to handle any animals showing signs of the disease and to report any dead or sick animal(s) promptly through the appropriate channels.

The Environmental Health Officers were encouraged to conduct mass sensitization programmes on the causes and prevention of anthrax disease in markets and public places. Redoubling efforts on food and meat hygiene/sanitation, promoting regular handwashing, and closely monitoring all livestock markets within their jurisdiction are essential steps to detect and prevent the sale of diseased animals.

The officers were also tasked with closely monitoring lairages, slaughterhouses/abattoirs, meat shops, and meat markets to identify and condemn suspected meat meant for human consumption.

They were asked to prioritize safety by always wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling any suspected animals or infected meat products.

“Additionally, records of all condemned animals and meat products should be maintained before sanitary disposal through burning.

” Daily activity reports must be submitted to the Directorate for notifying the authorities. Any individual displaying symptoms of anthrax disease should be advised to seek immediate treatment at the nearest Primary Health Care center.”

EHOAN emphasized that the health of one person was the health of all, and concerted efforts are essential to contain the anthrax outbreak and protect the well-being of the people and animals in Lagos State.