The Zamfara State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, has ramped up efforts to tackle the anthrax outbreak in the state through a one health approach.
This comes after the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development confirmed an anthrax outbreak on a farm in Zamfara earlier on Tuesday.
The Ministry called for heightened vigilance and swift measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, outlined ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak.
She highlighted the importance of vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives.
“We are prioritizing massive sensitization and vaccination efforts to ensure the outbreak is effectively controlled,” Dr. Maradun said. “Improving coverage and engaging communities are key to our success.”
Dr. Yusuf Haske, the Director of Health, emphasized the role of stakeholders in the livestock value chain to enhance early detection and prompt response.
“Stakeholders in the livestock sector must be actively involved to ensure quick identification and containment of cases,” he stated.
The State Veterinary Epidemiologist, Dr. Usman Gusau, reported minimal animal fatalities and no human cases thus far. “Only two animal deaths have been recorded, and we are working closely with community leaders to ensure suspected cases are reported early,” he noted.
Dr. Gusau also stressed collaboration with traditional healers and local leaders as part of the strategy to increase awareness. “Engaging with these groups is essential for effective communication and timely reporting,” he added.
Dr. Mukhtar Raji, the World Health Organisation Coordinator for Zamfara, lauded the government’s swift response, describing the one health approach as vital in managing zoonotic diseases like anthrax.
“The WHO remains committed to supporting Zamfara’s response, particularly in surveillance, case management, and community engagement,” Dr. Raji assured.
He also noted the importance of targeting cattle breeders in awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, the International Rescue Committee has pledged its support in managing the outbreak, while the newly appointed Incident Manager, Dr. Kabir Husaini, has promised to lead a coordinated response.
Dr. Husaini shared plans to develop an incident action plan to streamline interventions at all levels. “We are committed to ensuring that response efforts are timely, effective, and far-reaching,” he said.
Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, though humans can contract it through contact with infected animals, contaminated products, or environments.