Anthrax Disease amongst Livestock and the Associated Human Exposure in Northern Nigeria: An Incidence Report

Abstract

Anthrax disease is of public health significance worldwide and has not been reported in Nigeria hence the present study which highlighted it’s incidence profile among animal population and the associated human exposure in Northern Nigeria. The incidence occurred in a multispecies livestock farm at Gajiri along Abuja-Kaduna express way in Suleja Niger state, Nigeria on the 13th day of July 2023 leading to sudden mortality of eight livestock. A remarkable observation was that the dead animals were bleeding from every external orifice without blood clotting. The farm attendants and management team alerted the Federal ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for urgent intervention, which prompted rapid laboratory investigation on the 14th July 2023. They collected samples from multiple species in the livestock farm and transported to National Veterinary Research Institute Plateau state for analysis. The samples yielded positive results for Anthrax. However, there are reports of human exposure, but they have reported no symptoms or mortality at the time of this report. Currently ongoing identification and contact tracing is being conducted for humans and other farm animals to prevent spread. Relevant authorities have taken necessary measures to quickly detect, control and contain any outbreak of Anthrax in the human population. Epidemiological tracing showed that the disease is not enzootic in the area and there was no evidence of anthropozoonotic transmission to animals. As the disease has not spread widely and has not affected humans in the area, it is recommended that animal carcasses be disposed of properly by either burning or burying them in a lime pit. Livestock attendants should always wear protective clothing and gloves while attending to farm animals. Ensuring decontamination of animal products and providing active immunization of domestic animals and people at high occupational risk is important. Thus excellent prognosis hinges on early detection and treatment of case.