Anthrax is primarily a disease of animals. Animals with anthrax can transmit it to man through the inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated/infected animal products such as hides and skin, meat or milk.
The House of Representatives at its plenary on Tuesday, adopted a motion seeking to curtail the spread of the outbreak of the anthrax disease in Nigeria.
Sponsor of the motion, Rep. Adamu Tanko (APC, Niger) in his debate, informed that the disease has been found on a farm in Gajiri Villiage, Suleja, Niger state.
Rep. Tanko worried that if not quickly addressed, the disease may affect humans and animals as well as contaminate products that humans relate with thereby, dealing a devastating health challenge on the lives of Nigerians.
The lawmaker thus called for appropriate measures to be swiftly put in place to prevent the spread of the disease, to protect the health and livelihoods of citizens by placing public health precautions.
READ ALSO: Senate raises alarm on low awareness of Anthrax disease in Nigeria
He also highlighted the need to put in place mechanisms that will ensure strict surveillance and monitoring of livestock farms as well as proper disposal of infected animals and contaminated materials.
While acknowledging awareness efforts embarked upon by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in promptly addressing the National Health Emergency, he further called for increased collaboration among stakeholders.
The motion was referred to the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and that of Legislative Compliance when constituted for further actions.
