The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture, has commenced free vaccination of domesticated animals, in order to forestall an outbreak of Anthrax disease in the state.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Olatokunbo Emokpae, , in a statement on Friday, revealed that the ministry had also enhanced the surveillance of abattoirs and slaughter slabs in the state.
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.
Emokpae said the vaccination is free of charge and would be conducted alongside the inspection exercise.
She said symptoms of the anthrax disease in infected animals included sudden death, and bleeding from natural orifices – mouth, ear, nose, anus and vulva, in female animals.
According to her, the blood discharge is usually dark and the dead animal will disintegrate quickly.
She said, ”Members of the public must not go near or touch animals suspected to have contracted the disease.
”They should immediately report cases of such symptoms in animals to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture Director of Veterinary Services on 08023427594, 08180703010, or to the Veterinary Epidemiologist on 08023328244.
”The state government solicits the cooperation of animal owners as veterinary personnel vaccinate animals.”
(NAN)
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