Anthrax disease: Lagos govt vaccinates domesticated animals

The Lagos State Government has commenced the vaccination of domesticated animals to prevent the spread of Anthrax disease in the state.

The state government, in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Olatokunbo Emokpae, said it has also enhanced the surveillance of abattoirs and slaughter slabs in the state.

Emokpae stated that the vaccination of domesticated animals free of charge will also be conducted alongside the inspection exercise.

She, however, urged Lagosians not to go near or touch animals suspected to have contacted the disease and should immediately report cases of symptoms in animals to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture Director of Veterinary Services.

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She also called for the cooperation of animal owners as veterinary personnel vaccinate animals.

Anthrax, an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, affects domesticated animals such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats, and wild animals.

Human beings who come in contact with infected animals can also get infected with the disease.

Symptoms of the Anthrax disease in infected animals include sudden death, bleeding from natural orifices – mouth, ear, nose, anus and vulva, in female animals.

The blood discharge is usually dark and the dead animal will disintegrate quickly.

The Star