By Lanre Omotoso
Nigerians have been enjoined to urgently seek medical attention for possible treatment against anthrax when they observe symptoms such as food poisoning, difficult in breathing, severe fever and bloody diarrhea.
Dr Ayosunkanmi Ogunrinde of Ekiti State Veterinary Hospital gave the advice in an exclusive interview with Radio Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti, following the announcement by Federal Government on the outbreak of anthrax in some neighbouring countries.
Dr Ogunrinde who identified anthrax as infectious bacterial disease of animals, said human-being could contract the disease through direct contact with infected animals, hence the need for prompt treatment for anyone with such symptoms to avoid untimely death.
The Veterinarian noted that human-being could contract anthrax by inhaling the bacteria during animal slaughtering, eating under cooked infected meat as well as touching the skin of affected animals.
While noting that animals do contract anthrax in the contaminated soil or water during grazing as well as when in contact with infected animals, the animal doctor emphasized the need for individuals and livestock owners to take precautions.
Dr Ogunrinde warned that any animal that died suddenly with unclotted blood snoozing from the eyes, nose, ears and anus should be reported to veterinary hospitals or ministry of agriculture for appropriate evacuation to avoid endemic situation.
While Nigeria has not yet reported cases of anthrax, the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has encouraged citizens to vaccinate their animals against anthrax, as well as usage of gloves, facemasks, goggles and boots when handling sick animals.
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