Anthrax: Govt alerts residents against ponmo, bush meat consumption

VAM News Update

As part of efforts to curtail the outbreak of Anthrax disease, Ekiti State government has warned residents against the consumption of hide(Ponmo), bush meat and smoked meat.

This is contained in a statement signed by the commissioner for health, Dr Oyebanji Filani and the Special Adviser on agriculture and food security, Ebenezer Boluwade, on Wednesday.

They said pending further directives, residents should abstain as they posed a serious risk.

They explained that people should observe personal and environmental hygiene especially where these animals are being prepared to safeguard public health.

The government called on the stakeholders in the state especially butchers to be proactive, “ in adhering strictly to these preventive measures to safeguard public health and prevent the further spread of anthrax.”

The statement reads, “Anthrax is a serious disease that affects both animals and humans (Zoonotic). It presents flu-like symptoms such as cough, painless sores with a black centre appearing after the blister, fever, and muscle aches, and if not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, respiratory problems, shock and even death.

“The general public is strongly advised to abstain from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat, as they pose a serious risk until the situation is brought under control. It is crucial to prioritize public health and safety during this time.

“Environmental and personal hygiene must be strictly observed in places where by-products like hides (Ponmo), bone meal, and blood meal are produced. These areas should be maintained in a clean and sanitized condition to minimize the risk of contamination.

“We specifically encourage persons at risk such as people who handle animals, people who consume dead animals, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers and anyone who recently travelled to a location with a confirmed anthrax case to take their hygiene practices seriously.

“Any suspected or infected animals exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms should be buried deep into the soil, along with the equipment used in the burial. Prior to burial, appropriate chemicals should be applied to kill the anthrax spores, ensuring containment and preventing further spread.”