A recent outbreak of anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State has once again brought Nigeria’s public health challenges into sharp focus. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development confirmed the outbreak and called for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the disease. This incident follows Nigeria’s first reported case of anthrax in recent years, which occurred on a mixed livestock farm in Niger State in July 2023.

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is an acute and naturally occurring disease that primarily affects herbivores but can also infect humans through contact with infected animals or their products. The disease poses a significant public health threat, particularly to farmers, veterinarians, and butchers who handle animal products such as wool, hide, or bone. Given its zoonotic nature—transmission from animals to humans—anthrax underscores the interconnectedness of human and animal health, emphasizing the need for a One-Health approach to disease prevention and control.

Understanding Anthrax: Symptoms, Transmission, and Risks

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease that can lead to severe health complications if not identified and treated promptly. Symptoms in humans include flu-like signs such as coughing, fever, and muscle aches. In severe cases, anthrax can cause pneumonia, serious lung issues, breathing difficulties, shock, and even death.

The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. While anthrax does not typically spread from person to person, its potential to cause widespread harm makes it a high-priority disease for public health authorities. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WAHO) classifies anthrax as a disease with high mortality rates in wildlife and livestock, a cause of secondary human infections, and a significant security risk due to its potential use as a biological weapon.

Nigeria’s Vulnerability to Anthrax Outbreaks

Anthrax has been among the top five most prioritized zoonotic diseases in Nigeria over the past decade. A 2022 risk ranking and prioritization of epidemic-prone diseases conducted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) identified anthrax as a high-risk disease, scoring 6.25 out of 16. However, the report also highlighted poor general preparedness levels (1.5 out of 5) for an anthrax outbreak in Africa, underscoring the urgent need for improved surveillance and response mechanisms.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, is particularly vulnerable to anthrax outbreaks. The close interaction between humans and animals, coupled with limited access to veterinary services and public health infrastructure, creates an environment conducive to the spread of zoonotic diseases like anthrax.

The Need for a Coordinated Response

The re-emergence of anthrax in Nigeria demands a decisive and coordinated response from relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI). Key measures to address the outbreak include:

1. Enhanced Surveillance and Testing: Continuous monitoring of animal populations and human cases is essential to track the spread of anthrax and ensure timely intervention.
2. Vaccination of Susceptible Animals: As a vaccine-preventable disease, adequate vaccination of livestock can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to humans.
3. Public Education and Awareness: Educating farmers and the general public about the clinical presentation of anthrax in livestock can help identify symptoms early and prevent the handling or consumption of infected animals.
4. Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure: Investing in robust public health systems and emergency response mechanisms is critical to effectively managing disease outbreaks.

The Role of the Anthrax Technical Working Group

The national Anthrax Technical Working Group, established years ago, must rekindle its efforts to serve as a national coordination mechanism for anthrax prevention and control. Reactivating the emergency operations centre can facilitate a unified response to the outbreak, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and interventions are implemented effectively.

A Call for Behavioral Change and Preparedness

The latest anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and proactive measures in safeguarding public health. To prevent anthrax from becoming endemic in Nigeria, a positive behavioral change is needed among farmers, livestock handlers, and the general public. This includes adopting safe practices when handling animals, reporting suspected cases promptly, and adhering to vaccination protocols.

Conclusion: Strengthening Nigeria’s Capacity to Combat Disease Outbreaks

The anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its capacity to respond to disease outbreaks. By adopting a One-Health approach, enhancing surveillance and vaccination programs, and investing in public health infrastructure, Nigeria can effectively mitigate the risks posed by anthrax and other zoonotic diseases.

The time to act is now. The health and well-being of Nigeria’s citizens depend on the collective efforts of government agencies, healthcare professionals, farmers, and the general public. Together, we can build a resilient public health system capable of protecting the nation from the threats of infectious diseases like anthrax.

Related Stories and Historical Context

• The One-Health Approach: A Global Strategy for Combating Zoonotic Diseases: Exploring the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• Nigeria’s Battle with Zoonotic Diseases: A look at the country’s efforts to address diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
• The Role of Vaccination in Disease Prevention: How immunization programs can reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
• Lessons from Past Anthrax Outbreaks: Insights from global efforts to control and prevent anthrax.
• Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure in Nigeria: The importance of investing in healthcare systems to combat disease outbreaks.

As Nigeria confronts the challenges posed by anthrax and other infectious diseases, the lessons learned from this outbreak can serve as a blueprint for future preparedness and response efforts. By prioritizing public health and fostering collaboration across sectors, Nigeria can protect its citizens and build a healthier, more resilient nation.