The Zamfara State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, and key partners, has intensified efforts under the One Health approach to tackle the recent anthrax outbreak in the state.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development had earlier confirmed the outbreak on a farm in Zamfara, prompting urgent measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, outlined the state government’s proactive strategies.
“We need to improve coverage and sensitisation in the state,” Maradun said.
She emphasized the importance of public awareness and vaccination campaigns to curb the outbreak.
Dr. Yusuf Haske, the Director of Health, highlighted the critical role of engaging stakeholders in the livestock value chain to ensure ear detection and prompt responses.
“Engaging animals and livestock value stakeholders is crucial for early detection,” he stated.
Providing an update on the outbreak, the State Veterinary Epidemiologist, Dr. Usman Gusau, confirmed minimal animal fatalities and no reported human cases so far.
“So far, only two animal mortalities were recorded, and no human case has been reported,” Gusau said.
He also stressed the importance of early identification and reporting of suspected cases.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
“We are working closely with community leaders and traditional healers to raise awareness and encourage prompt reporting.”