Ogun Intensifies Anthrax Prevention Awareness

Determined to prevent incursion of anthrax into Ogun State, the state government has embarked on strengthening surveillance and stakeholders’ engagement as officials visit cattle markets and slaughter slabs across the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Samuel Adeogun, who led the Risk/Communication team on a sensitization visit to Olorunisola Cattle Market, Isheri in Ifo Local Government Area and Atokun International Market in Yewa North Local Government Area, said the exercise was necessary in order to educate the people about the disease and what they needed to do in case of an outbreak.

Mr. Adeogun, in a statement signed by the ministry’s Press Officer, Ms. Morolayo Fadairo, stressed that all encompassing posture of the activated Emergency Operation Center which comprised critical stakeholders to protect public health against the disease, saying that compliance by stakeholders dealing with cattle and animals that could be affected by the disease would help prevent losses in business and investment of the citizens in case of any outbreak.

The state Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, who was represented by Dr. Adeniyi Tade, maintained that educating stakeholders on the disease was crucial, stressing that Ogun State was known for proactivenss, as it continued awareness on prevention of the disease.

In his presentations, a veterinarian, Dr. Gbenga Afolabi, said the disease was zoonotic in nature as it affected humans and animals, emphasizing preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with infected animals or products, proper cooking of meat, good hygiene, amongst others, as he stressed the importance of early detection and prompts medical attention.

Contributing, the representative of World Health Organization (WHO), Mrs. Afolake Ogunlaja, reiterated raising awareness on anthrax disease to avoid it, emphasising early reportage of affected animal to prevent spread of the disease.

In their various contributions, the Seriki Hausawa of Awori, Olorunisola Cattle Market, Isheri, Alhaji Mohammadu Badamasi and Seriki Fulani, Atokun International Market, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman appreciated the present administration for the awareness which they said was apt, promising that they would ensure compliance and abide by all preventive measures maximally, so as to prevent an outbreak.