The Zamfara State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, and other stakeholders, has ramped up efforts using the One Health approach to address a recent anthrax outbreak.
Following the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development’s confirmation of the outbreak on a local farm, the state government implemented urgent measures to contain the disease and prevent its spread.
During a stakeholders’ meeting at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, outlined proactive steps, emphasizing public awareness and vaccination campaigns to improve coverage and sensitization across the state.
“We must enhance our sensitization efforts and expand coverage to control the outbreak effectively,” Maradun stated.
Director of Health, Dr. Yusuf Haske, stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders in the livestock value chain for early detection and rapid response.
“Collaborating with livestock stakeholders is vital for early detection and timely intervention,” he noted.
Providing updates, State Veterinary Epidemiologist Dr. Usman Gusau confirmed that the outbreak has resulted in minimal animal fatalities, with no human cases reported.
“Only two animal deaths have been recorded so far, and no human cases have been identified,” Gusau said, adding that community leaders and traditional healers are being mobilized to raise awareness and encourage prompt reporting of suspected cases.
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