Nigerians have been warned against the consumption of hides, popularly called ‘Ponmo’ due to the outbreak of Anthrax in neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.
The warning was given by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and citizens were advised to also desist from eating smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control.
Speaking in a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, disclosed that the outbreak was recorded in northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
According to him, the proximity of the aforementioned regions puts the whole sub-region at risk.
“The disease which has claimed some lives is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man; that is a zoonotic disease.
“Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
“However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.
“Signs of anthrax are flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death,” part of the statement reads.
Umakhihe further warned members of the public against closeness to non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax as it can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores including consumption of contaminated/Infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.
