First confirmed bovine anthrax case report in Zamfara state, northwestern Nigeria
2025
Hassan, Ibrahim | Aliyu, Ahmad Muhammad | Abdulrashid, Bello | Yusuf , Yusuf | Gusau, Ahmad Muhammad | Bala, Ibrahim Shehu | Hussaini, Kabiru | Abdullahi, Saulawa Mahmud
Anthrax as a zoonotic disease with both public health significance in human population as well as serious economic loss to livestock farmers. This case report describes the first confirmed bovine anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria. On January 5th, 2025, a white Fulani bull died suddenly on a large animal farm in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area. The affected carcass exhibited unclotted blood oozing from the rectum and nostrils without any prior clinical signs. The bull, bought from Nassarawar-Godal animal market in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area about 75 kilometers away, had been kept for fattening with other bulls and small ruminants. Following the death, the farm attendant promptly informed zonal veterinary officers, who collected blood samples and sent them to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State. On January 13th, another bull from the same farm, originating from Kasuwar Daji animal market, collapsed with similar symptoms; samples were also taken. Nearby, two Sokoto Gudali bulls died suddenly with comparable signs. Veterinary teams collected further samples and implemented control measures, including deep burial of carcasses and disinfection of affected farms to prevent transmission. On January 20th, NVRI confirmed Bacillus anthracis as the cause of death, marking the first anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State. Public health actions included identifying and screening contacts of affected carcasses, community awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and a mass vaccination campaign covering all 14 local government areas in the state. This outbreak highlights the need for timely detection and coordinated veterinary and public health responses to control zoonotic diseases.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]