The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly advised the public to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as officials issued an alert over the outbreak of anthrax – a disease that affects both animal and human beings.

The government also warned the citizens against the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bushmeat, to avoid potential spread of the disease.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ernest Umakhihe.

The statement confirmed that the zoonotic disease has been reported in the West African sub-region; specifically, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

Umakhihe explained further that non-vaccinated animals with anthrax disease can easily spread it to man through the inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated animal products.

He called for an urgent need to intensify animal vaccinations along border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.

“Other states of Nigeria are equally advised to join in the exercise,” the statement reads.

“Infected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil along with equipment used in the burial after applying chemicals that will kill the anthrax spores.

“The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk; until the situation is brought under control.

“Meanwhile, the public is urged to remain calm and vigilant as the federal government has resuscitated a standing committee on the control of anthrax in the ministry of agriculture and rural development.

“Furthermore, relevant institutions and collaborators have been contacted with the aim of controlling the outbreak. This is in addition to the sensitisation of state directors of veterinary services nationwide.”